The Milwaukee Brewers have just one big transaction on their resume this off-season as they traded Devin Williams for Nestor Cortes and Caleb Durbin. They’ve made several under the radar signings, but it seems like another relatively big more or two should be coming. That being said, they’ve recently essentially been ruled out of the running for one star pitcher.
One star pitcher is expected to make a decision on where to sign soon
International free agent pitcher Roki Sasaki is expected to make a decision soon as his posting window closes on January 23. He’s taken his time throughout this process as he’s met with several teams, weighing all of his options, and taking factors like winning, pitching development, direct flight access to Japan, and market size into consideration. That being said, Sasaki reportedly has narrowed his decision down to three teams and the Milwaukee Brewers are not one of them.
The Milwaukee Brewers have essentially been ruled out of the running for Roki Sasaki
The finalists for Japanese star right-hander Roki Sasaki are the Los Angeles Dodgers, San Diego Padres and Toronto Blue Jays, sources tell ESPN. Sasaki will decide on his team by the closing of his posting window Jan. 23.
— Jeff Passan (@JeffPassan) January 13, 2025
Who are the Milwaukee Brewers expected to sign during the 2025 international signing period?
The Brewers have one of the largest international bonus pools to work with at $7,555,500. It’s likely that they again deploy an approach where they sign a large number of players as last year they signed 35 prospects. Reportedly headlining this year’s group is Kenny Fenelon, who is an explosive outfielder and who is projected to sign in the $1-2 million range.
On the @MLBPipeline top 50 international prospects for the 2025 signing class, the Brewers are expected to sign Kenny Fenelon (No. 35), Brailyn Antuñez (No. 41) and No. 44 Christopher Acosta, per sources. Fenelon is one of the best power hitters in the class with a plus frame. ⬇️ pic.twitter.com/L3UvReYgmr
— Curt Hogg (@CyrtHogg) September 23, 2024
Despite the always slim odds, it’s disappointing that the Brewers won’t be the team to sign Roki Sasaki. They had a lot of things working in their favor, such as a large intentional bonus pool, a good history of winning and pitching development, and they are a small market team. It’s a missed opportunity for the team to secure a top pitching talent that will be controllable for several years.
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