The Milwaukee Brewers more than likely will have a new first baseman on opening day next spring. 37 year old Carlos Santana finished the 2023 season as their everyday first baseman, but he is currently a free agent. Rowdy Tellez, who had been their opening day starter the past few seasons, was non-tendered earlier this month.
With both of these players departing the Brewers went out and swung a trade with the New York Yankees for Jake Bauers. Outside of Jake Bauers the only other player on the 40-man roster capable of playing first base is Owen Miller, but prospect Tyler Black could figure into their first base plans at some point. All of this makes it interesting to see what Milwaukee does at first base this off-season.
In regards to the first basemen that they have lost and are now free agents a reunion with Carlos Santana is possible. On the other hand getting Rowdy Tellez to come back on a cheaper deal ($5.9 MM projected arbitration salary) may be a tough sell. Additionally he has now been linked to a National League Division rival.
Recently non-tendered Milwaukee Brewers first baseman Rowdy Tellez has been linked to the Pittsburgh Pirates.
According to Robert Murray the Pittsburgh Pirates are interested in signing a veteran first baseman this off-season. Last winter they brought in Carlos Santana and then traded him to the Brew Crew prior to the trade deadline passing. They could deploy a similar strategy again and Robert Murray listed Rowdy Tellez as one potential candidate.
Pittsburgh targeting Rowdy Tellez would be a low risk move on their part. He is coming off a disappointing 2023 campaign, but he hit a career best 35 home runs in 2022. There is a good chance that he will bounce back in 2024 and provide a positive impact for a team willing to take a flier on him.
If the Pirates do land Rowdy Tellez he would be another example of a shared first baseman between them and the Brewers. Recent first baseman shared between the two organizations include Carlos Santana, Ji Man Choi, and Daniel Vogelbach.
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