Milkmen News: Milwaukee Continues to Update their Roster for Next Season
Baseball season is so close! The smell of fresh cut grass; the crack of the bat and the thud of the ball against the mitt are right around the corner. Other than all of the excitement with Major Leagues baseball and the Milwaukee Brewers, the Milwaukee Milkmen (who play in Franklin) are a great, family-friendly alternative.
Baseball starts at the Roc sports complex on May 10th. But before the season gets going the team has to fill out its roster. Since the team made its debut in 2018 there has always been lots of player turnover.
The Milwaukee Milkmen have been busy this winter, updating their roster and adding new players. The team is facing some roster upheaval for good reasons: two of their best players last season were offered MLB contracts.
So with that positive turnover, especially on the pitching staff, the team has been busy. Milwaukee would love to build on its playoff appearances from last season and go for a league-wide championship.
Say ‘Hello’ to some new pitching
In a big move for the team, the Milkmen have signed a former player.
Milwaukee led the AA in many different pitching metrics. The team was also 2nd overall in the American Association of Professional baseball in both pitching wins and hit batters.
Welcome Back to Pitcher Rodrigo Benoit!
Welcome back Rodrigo Benoit! 🐮
The former Milkmen closer makes his return to Franklin Field after a season in the Mexican League and Dominican Winter League 👏 During his 2022 Milkmen season, Benoit pitched 38.2 innings with 61 strikeouts and 8 saves. ⚾️ pic.twitter.com/WRdhq9bE5u
— Milwaukee Milkmen (@MKEMilkmen) March 21, 2024
The former top-32 Brewer prospect is returning back to the Milkmen. (He was rated as high as 19th.)
Drafted at 19 by the Crew, Benoit played his rookie ball in 2013. It was then that he seemed to find a niche as a relief pitcher.
Here is a link to his fangraphs page.
The Team has bolstered their pitching depth with other additions.
Victor Vargas has also been signed.
Vargas joins the team after 6 seasons in the Phillies organization. There, he pitched to 16 wins and 202 strikeouts. Plus, he was named the MVP of the WBSC U23 Pan-American World Championship. Vargas will continue to bolster and add pitching depth to a team that prides itself on pitching and defense.
Welcome to the Milkmen- Victor Vargas 🐮
Victor joins the team after 6 seasons in the Phillies organization. There, Vargas pitched 16 wins and 202 strikeouts. Plus, he was names the MVP of the WBSC U23 Pan-American World Championship 👏 https://t.co/okYVY1bzEP pic.twitter.com/M1kQw6c6Xf
— Milwaukee Milkmen (@MKEMilkmen) March 21, 2024
Some offense is also on the way.
Armani Smith is signed by the Milkmen
Milwaukee has also signed former Twins and Giants prospect Armani Smith. Smith will most likely man a corner outfield spot for the squad. Smith is someone who looks like he’ll be able to hit for some power for the club.
Smith joins the team after 4 seasons with the Giants and Twins organizations. During his MiLB tenure, Smith tallied a .742 OPS with 131 RBI’s and 241 hits.
Welcome to the Milkmen- Armani Smith
Smith joins the Milkmen after 4 season with the Giants and Twins organizations. During is MiLB tenure, Smith tallied a .742 OPS with 131 RBI's and 241 hits. 👀
We cannot wait to see him this summer! 🐮 pic.twitter.com/MkV64MHAum
— Milwaukee Milkmen (@MKEMilkmen) March 18, 2024
Other Milkmen News
Milwaukee tied with the Chicago Dawgs for the best record in the East Division. (56-44) The team has similar “first place ambitions” for the upcoming season.
They also have announced their 2024 season schedule. It looks to be a fun preview for what should be a great summer of local baseball. Check it out below!
The team opens their season on May 10th at home. They play through September.
There is a lot to look forward to this summer. You may want to add the Milwaukee Milkmen on your list of things to see this summer. Hopefully for casual and hard-core baseball fans alike, the team will continue to deliver on its promise for “great summer nights”.
Ever been to a Milkmen game? Leave a comment below.
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