Brewers quiet on Day 2 of MLB's winter meetings after opening with a bang

NASHVILLE – The Milwaukee Brewers were the lone team to make a big splash on the opening day of Major League Baseball's winter meetings, signing prospect Jackson Chourio to a market-setting, long-term deal, reuniting with veteran left-hander Wade Miley and reportedly agreeing to terms with right-hander Joe Ross.

Tuesday was much quieter.

With teams across baseball settling in and waiting for the big dominoes, like Shohei Ohtani and Cody Bellinger to sign and Juan Soto to potentially be traded, the Brewers remained engaged on a number of fronts as they sought to add even more pitching depth as well as at least one impact bat.

"I think there are a lot of things that are moving. I don't know whether they're getting to the finish line," general manager Matt Arnold said during his end-of-the-day media availability at the Gaylord Opryland Resort & Convention Center.

"But I think there's certainly a lot of activity right now. At least on our end."

While Arnold declined to get into specifics, he did acknowledge that both first and third base remain areas he would like to bolster.

At first base, Milwaukee acquired one potential piece last month in Jake Bauers in a trade with the New York Yankees. But it's unlikely he could be considered as more than a platoon player at this point.

At third base, holdovers Andruw Monasterio and Owen Miller as well as offseason trade acquisition Oliver Dunn figure to factor in but it's likely the Brewers are seeking a more prominent contributor.

As far as potential external acquisitions, Arnold didn't dismiss the possibility of bringing Carlos Santana back at first base. He, along with Mark Canha, provided the offense a major boost after being brought aboard via trade last season while also playing solid defense and serving as another veteran leader in the clubhouse.

"Definitely," Arnold said when asked about Milwaukee's interest. "He's been a guy that's done a wonderful job for us in the past. It was great to have him in our clubhouse. He's a really popular guy that would be a fit anywhere."

Internally, both Arnold and manager Pat Murphy have spoken highly of Tyler Black, the Brewers' No. 4 overall prospect as rated by the Journal Sentinel.

Black, 23, was the 33rd overall pick in the 2021 draft by the Brewers and is coming off a season in which he hit .284 with 14 home runs and 48 runs batted in to go along with an OPS of .930 in 123 games split between Class AA Biloxi and Class AAA Nashville.

A left-handed hitter who also went 47 for 56 in stolen bases, Black right now is considered as a viable candidate at both third and first heading into spring training, depending on what other moves the team makes.

"He can do a lot of things," Arnold said. "His ability to play third, first – outfield, if needed. He's so athletic. He can DH. He's just really talented and has a lot of upside. We're really excited about him, wherever he ends up."

Added Murphy: "I see him fitting. Where, I don't know. But I see him fitting. I like the player."

Could Christian Yelich be a possibility, sliding over to first base from left field?

"I wouldn't expect that," Arnold said.

Positionally speaking, one other area the Brewers would like to shore up is backup catcher. Victor Caratini, who filled that role the last two seasons, was of interest to Milwaukee once again but later Tuesday agreed to a two-year, $12 million contract with the Houston Astros.

Arnold also didn't rule out No. 3 prospect Jeferson Quero reaching the majors at some point in 2024 as well, although it's extremely unlikely he'd serve as a primary backup with William Contreras receiving the lion's share of playing time.

Quero, 21, still needs significant time to develop.

"I wouldn't rule it out," he said. "As you know, we move guys pretty aggressively. He's very talented and we love his upside. I think making sure he's ready to go when he gets here is important, so having him play regularly would also be a factor for us.

Regarding right-hander Corbin Burnes and shortstop Willy Adames, Arnold was a bit more tight-lipped. He did say that both remaining with the Brewers heading into 2024 remains a real possibility despite their being only a year away from reaching free agency.

"I think that's still our position, yeah," he said. "We're certainly getting a lot of traction and this week is a popular week to have those types of conversations. But we're certainly still thrilled to have them."

Aaron Ashby still working his way back from shoulder surgery

Left-hander Aaron Ashby, who underwent shoulder surgery in early April, never ended up pitching for the Brewers in 2023 despite second-half projections he might.

Ashby did get as far as making minor-league rehab appearances – seven innings in seven appearances – but fared poorly (0-3 record, 15.43 ERA, WHIP of 3.00) and ultimately was shut down prior to the end of the season.

It certainly wasn't what he or the Brewers had hoped for after Ashby signed a five-year, $20.5 million extension in July of 2022, but the hope is he will be a factor in the competition for starting rotation spots moving forward.

"He really feels good," Arnold said. "He's throwing, playing catch, working out. I think he's on track to be a part of our rotation, hopefully, next year. That's the expectation. So, he's working his tail off to try to come back."

Pressed for more of a timeline – opening day or later in the season – Arnold was unable to provide one.

"It's hard to say," he said. "You want to be cautious with these types of things. But when he's ready, he's certainly going to be in the middle of our mix."

Arnold did confirm Ashby didn't suffer any type of setback.

"It's just the unknowns with shoulders, right? You never know," he said. "There's so many mechanics inside there that it's just hard to handicap when they come back. But he's working really hard. I expect him to be just fine this year."

Brewers move up in 2024 draft

Thanks to some crazy machinations ahead of them in MLB's draft lottery, Milwaukee moved up to No. 17 despite being a playoff team in 2023.

The Brewers have had the No. 17 pick once before in franchise history – 1989, when they selected right-hander Cal Eldred out of the University of Iowa.

The winter meetings will conclude Wednesday with the Rule 5 draft. Milwaukee is in the 26th spot and it was unclear as to whether the team would make a pick.

The lone move the Brewers made at last year's winter meetings was taking right-hander Gus Varland from the Los Angeles Dodgers. He did open the season on the roster but after compiling an 11.42 ERA and WHIP of 1.71 in eight appearances, Varland was sent back to Los Angeles.

As far as players who could potentially be lucked from the Brewers, 2020 second-round pick Freddy Zamora, a shortstop, and third baseman Zavier Warren, a 2020 third-rounder, are probably the most recognizable names.

Right-handers Evan McKendry, Justin Yeager and Joseph Hernandez and left-hander Adam Seminaris are also eligible to be picked.

"We're going to have another meeting tonight," Arnold said. "Pro scouting. It's a fun one. I love it. You spend so much time and work on those guys."