yardbarker
In recent seasons, the Milwaukee Brewers have developed a reputation for trading star players before they reach free agency, a strategy that often leaves fans scratching their heads. Yet those same fans are left bewildered when the Brewers consistently find themselves back at the top of the National League Central and in World Series contention.
The Brewers' formula is proving more effective than ever, as they have posted the best record in baseball over the past two years and are now just two wins away from a championship. If they win it all, the big question will be how strictly they adhere to their formula.
Corbin Burnes, Freddy Peralta, Devin Williams, and Josh Hader were all traded with an eye toward the future, roughly a year before they hit the open market. After this year, the two Brewers stars in the same situation are William Contreras and Trevor Megill.
An All-Star closer and an All-Star catcher who may be the best in baseball are sure to command a fortune, at a price tag the Brewers won't like. However, this World Series run could change things slightly in Milwaukee.
"The Brewers believe they will have more money at their disposal after the World Series run, according to people who were familiar with the situation who were not authorized to speak publicly because the tally of the revenue had not been finalized. That could create more flexibility in spending on player salaries," wrote The Athletic's Andy McCullough and Will Sammon.
"But a significant deviation from the organization's roster-building model is unlikely, especially as the baseball operations department readies itself for whatever rule changes take place after the expiration of the current labor agreement Dec. 1." The Brewers are not going to turn into the Los Angeles Dodgers or New York Mets overnight.
However, they may be more open to making an exception to their rules for Contreras and Megill. Megill is very replaceable, especially with Abner Uribe and Aaron Ashby in-house. However, they would be losing a big part of their clubhouse.
Contreras is borderline irreplaceable with anyone in the organization right now, both on the field and in the clubhouse. The team made an exception for Willy Adames by not trading him when they felt he was integral to their culture and they did not have a replacement ready. Contreras could draw the same treatment, especially if the Brewers have some more money to play with.
Originally reported by yardbarker.