Article: The Brewers Farmhands Lined Up for Minor League Free Agency

[Mass Haas]

Five days after the conclusion of the World Series, minor league players who have reached the end of their seven-year commitment on their initial professional contract finally get to test free agent waters. In some cases, this is an opportunity to net a contract in the low six-figure range, which is not significant compared to big-league money, yet certainly can compare favorably to career earnings to date. While some players signed for considerable up-front money (hello, Corey Ray), many others did not.

As you'll read below, some of the 20 players looking at MiLB free agency this fall had already extended their Brewer tenures beyond that initial commitment. From a team perspective, the obvious way of keeping a player from walking away is to add him to the 40-man roster. Milwaukee did just this with Tyrone Taylor in October of 2018. The lone candidate among the players listed seems on the surface to be now-power reliever Lucas Erceg, but whether that ends up happening remains to be seen.

In approximately ten days from now, I will release a similarly profiled piece on those players who qualify for consideration to be added to the Milwaukee 40-man roster in order to prevent another organization from plucking them away in the rule 5 draft in December, so be on the lookout for that.

It may prove helpful if you bookmark this page for future access when needed.

Listed alphabetically, current affiliate noted:

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Robbie Baker, RHP, Wisconsin Timber Rattlers, age 27
Baker falls under the category of surprise minor league free agent qualifier as he only signed his initial pro contract in June 2018, when the Boston Red Sox made him a non-drafted free agent signing out of the University of Richmond. When the Red Sox released Baker as a victim of 2020 Covid roster-paring in May of that year, it effectively ended any seven-year hold that original contract had. When the Brewers signed Baker in August 2021 and assigned him to Carolina, they were not able to assume the seven-year control of the Boston contract. Instead, Baker signed for the remainder of 2021 and 2022. Clearly, Baker is much older than his competition, but he's in the midst of a near-perfect August, with only one baserunner reaching against him in four outings covering 9.1 innings (an HBP). The Brewers may choose to approach Baker to extend through 2023, one might think.

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Zack Brown, RHP, Nashville Sounds, age 27
It's a bit hard to believe that Brown, the Brewers 5th round pick out of the University of Kentucky in 2016 and Minor League Pitcher of the Year in 2018, has yet to make his MLB debut, never mind be added to the 40-man roster. Brown did receive invites to big league spring training from 2019-2021 and was an alternate site participant in 2020. Brown, now strictly a reliever. is the owner of a 3.16 ERA and 1.08 WHIP with Nashville this summer, yet he has been bypassed by others, including those previously not on the 40-man roster, when callup opportunities were available. Brown should be able to find a landing spot elsewhere this fall.

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Harold Chirino, RHP, Biloxi Shuckers age 24
Earlier this year, I detailed the entirety of Chirino's Brewers baseball journey in this post. Chirino has been generally effective within the AA bullpen in 2022. He won't turn 25 until January and will be one of the younger minor league free agents available this fall.

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Yeison Coca, INF, Biloxi Shuckers, age 23
Speaking of being young, somewhat amazingly, Coca doesn't turn 24 until May 2023. Acquired from Boston as part of the Tyler Thornburg haul in June 2017, Coca was just short of two years of his initial signing with Boston. Because Coca was traded and not released, the Brewers maintained the full years of control over him. Known for his glovework, Coca has posted a .239/.304/.334 line in over 1700 minor league plate appearances (.638 OPS). Have glove, will travel. Organizations prize having defensive depth, and Coca likely will have suitors once he's deemed free.

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(On 9/25 - Signed to a minor league deal with a big league camp invite for 2023) Lucas Erceg, RHP, Nashville Sounds, age 27
Erceg won't turn 28 until next May. Most are very familiar with the career path of the 2016 2nd round pick, drafted as a third baseman. This past spring, Erceg was quite open about his struggles with alcohol and depression and journey to the mound, as detailed here by Adam McCalvy of MLB.com. To this very day, Erceg seems to be tantalizingly close to being a fireballing major league bullpen contributor. This will be a decision to watch for sure.

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Hobie Harris, RHP, Nashville Sounds, age 29
The bullpen corps at Nashville in 2022 has been pretty phenomenal and add Harris' name to the list of contributors. An easy-to-root-for 2015 31st round pick of the Yankees out of the University of Pittsburgh, Harris had a long stint in the New York system before he was taken in the minor league phase of the 2019 Rule 5 draft by Toronto. Milwaukee quickly signed him when he reached free agency for the first time last November. All 210 of Harris' pro appearances have been out of the pen. Much like Zack Brown this year, Harris has been the victim of having too much talent surrounding him in the Crew's AAA ranks. 

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(On 10/19 - Signed to a minor league deal with a big league camp invite for 2023) Tyler Herb, RHP, Nashville Sounds, age 30
Herb was signed by the Brewers just prior to the start of the minor league season this past spring after time in the Seattle, San Francisco, and Baltimore systems. He was rightfully bumped up to Nashville after a month-plus with Biloxi. Primarily utilized as a starter, Herb has consistently posted solid numbers at the AA level and rough numbers at the highest minor league rung. It's inherently unfair to speculate, but it wouldn't appear Herb would be made a priority to bring back, but there is no risk in a minor league deal other than it's one less uniform to distribute to another.

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Josh Lindblom, RHP, Nashville Sounds, age 35
While Lindblom's three-year MLB contract for $9.125 million has proven to be mostly dead money on the big-league front, a rare David Stearns failed creative signing, Lindblom has at least been a useful innings-eater and clubhouse presence while with Nashville. Come this fall, the sides will shake hands and part. If Lindblom invested wisely, he's set for life.

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Matt Lipka, OF, Nashville Sounds, age 30
Lipka has been acquired by Milwaukee via trade in each of the 2021 and 2022 seasons to provide depth on the outfield grass. Even with the departures of David Dahl and Abraham Almonte, the sudden in-tandem promotions of the exciting law firm outfield trio of Frelick, Mitchell and Wiemer have relegated Lipka's role to fill-in as of the present.

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Carlos Luna, RHP, Biloxi Shuckers, age 25 (26 this September)
Luna debuted with the Brewers way back in 2014 as a 17-year-old in the Dominican Summer League, and he absolutely dazzled in his DSL encore in 2015. We wouldn't see Luna again until 2018 when he finally came stateside after he lost two full seasons to Tommy John surgery and complications thereafter. Luna was an unfortunate Covid release in May of 2020 but was a welcome sight on a re-sign a year later. Luna has been serviceable in an unsung middle and long relief role with Biloxi this summer.

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(On 10/28 - Signed to a minor league deal with a big league camp invite for 2023) Andruw Monasterio, INF, Biloxi Shuckers, age 25
Another former international signing (Cubs, 2014) who is set to reach minor league free agency at a very young age, though this is actually Monasterio's second spin as it's how the Brewers enticed him last November with a big-league camp invite. Monasterio played in mostly a reserve role for Nashville this season until a June 28th assignment down to a depleted Biloxi roster rejuvenated Monasterio big-time (.983 OPS in 43 games). Surely a minor league manager's dream, but unless the Brewers just like the continuity and the "we know you" aspect of their rosters, it's likely Monasterio will slide on out.

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(Has since been released) Andy Otero, LHP, Nashville Sounds, age 30
Otero's baseball journey began way back in 2009 in the Braves' organization. After pitching at high-A, ironically with the Carolina Mudcats in 2015, Otero did not pitch in affiliated ball again until the Brewers signed the Panamanian native in May of 2021 and assigned him to Biloxi. Since then, Otero has been effective in the underappreciated swingman role he has effectively occupied.

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Antonio Pinero, INF, Wisconsin Timber Rattlers, age 23
Midway through Pinero's rookie season with Boston in 2016, the Red Sox were penalized for playing loose with the draft signing rules, and the Brewers scooped up the youngster. The owner of a .570 career OPS, you may as well insert the Yeison Coca career path seen above here for Pinero. Defensively a rock star and offensively limited, it will be interesting to see if the Brewer brass chooses to say goodbye to both infielders without an offer to tempt either or both back.

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Corey Ray, OF, Biloxi Shuckers, age 27 (28 this September)
The first round of the 2016 MLB amateur draft became pretty much a wasteland, but that doesn't ease the pain of getting nothing but a memorable big-league debut game base on balls and run scored out of the #5 overall pick. It seems the Brewers organization has come to terms that this fall will bring the official termination of a failed partnership. Maybe Ray will reach out to White Sox management to see if his South Side roots can reignite the talent within.

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Jose Sibrian, C, Carolina Mudcats, age 23 (24 this October)
Yes, a low-A ball player makes the list. Sibrian has battled injuries for much of his Brewer tenure, missing all of 2017 and of course, 2020. The five games played with Carolina in September of 2021 incredibly marked his first games with a non-rookie level affiliate. Known for his defensive acumen, it's possible this is an easy offer of a 2023 contract, but both parties need to be amenable.

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(On 10/31 - Signed to a minor league deal with a big league camp invite for 2023) Jon Singleton, 1B, Nashville Sounds, age 30 (31 in September)
If not fully familiar with Singleton's unique career path, revisit this Adam McCalvy feature from March. Singleton has had several highlight-worthy longball moments in 2022, has walked a ton, and has certainly contributed to the Sounds' success this season. It all made for some interest among fans, but it seems this will be a one-year visit in the Crew's system, barring a don't-jinx-it Rowdy Tellez serious injury down the stretch.

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(Has since been traded to San Francisco for cash considerations) Nash Walters, RHP, Biloxi Shuckers, age 25
Walters was Milwaukee's 3rd round pick in 2015 (90th overall) out of a Texas high school. Walters was actually a minor league free agent in the fall of 2021, but the Brewers and he were able to agree on a return for this year. The 2017 and 2018 seasons were lost to Tommy John surgery and a less-than-successful initial rehab. Losing 2020 didn't help. Walters has a 4.81 ERA and a more telling 1.28 WHIP in 39 appearances with the Shuckers in 2022. The very full and effective Nashville bullpen has served as a block in a sense to the AAA level.

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(Has since been traded to Atlanta for cash considerations) Tyler White, 1B/DH, Nashville Sounds, age 31 (32 in October)
Like Jon Singleton, White has hardly been an anchor to the Sounds' lineup, but his numbers haven't truly popped either at .230/.357/.431. The Brewers didn't miss with this minor league signing, they just didn't reap an obvious reward beyond a healthy AAA contributor. If nothing else, the Singleton and White signings backfilled a pretty glaring system power need at 1B/DH heading into 2022.

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Garrett Whitley, OF, Biloxi Shuckers, age 25
Yes, Whitley's current age surprised me, too. We forget that amid the restocking of the Brewers system at the upper levels late last fall, Whitley's arrival after a disappointing seven-year run in the Rays' system, being drafted as a high schooler 13th overall in 2015, was included. Recently dropped to Biloxi to make room for the previously referred to bally-hoo'd prospect trio, a change of scenery to Milwaukee's system didn't ignite Whitley.

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Weston Wilson, IF/OF, Nashville Sounds, age 27 (28 in September)
Some look at the term "organizational soldier" as demeaning, and it is true that I have come around in limiting my use of the wording, though I disagree in finding it truly derogatory. A 17th round pick out of Clemson in 2016, Wilson has done everything but catch in his solid contributor seven-year Brewer tenure. Wilson has managed a suitable .757 OPS along the way. I really hope we see Wilson netting a decent payday in minor league free agency for an organization realizing they'll be getting value in versatility.

EDIT: Additions are Nashville C Pedro Severino and RHP JC Mejia.

 

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[Joseph Zarr]

Thanks for showcasing this list, Jim. It's nice to see everyone all at once.

I sincerely wonder if they don't prioritize signing Andruw Monasterio as 'left side of the infield insurance' given what he is showcasing in Biloxi - he's been incredible since Day 1 down yonder. I think with Erceg's ongoing improvements and ability to bounce back effectively from rough outings - with a known emphasis on growth versus results this year  - I would have to think there's a priority there. He has legitimate 7th-9th inning stuff in that arsenal. I would love to see Big Jon Singleton back given how solid he as defensively in addition to his on base prowess and power pop. He loves the food in Nashville and the atmosphere but one might gather he'd look to try an latch on West Coast way given his gym is out West.

Regardless, I've enjoyed watching all of these players in 2022 and there are many worthy Minor League prospects here. It will be very interesting to see what the players and the organization plan on doing. It was an incredibly productive and impactful ML FA signing period in late 2021. We'll have to keep our eyes and ears open for any developments.

 

[CheeseheadInQC]

Good read on this group.

There are a lot of the guys on this list I imagine the Brewers would like to bring back, the question is will the feeling be mutual. There will definitely be space at Nashville given the number of players here and how stingy the Brewers usually are with AAA promotions for non-top prospects.

The top possible 40-man adds would probably be Erceg for the upside; Walters, who advanced stats place as the best pitcher at Biloxi this season; and the recently resurgent Brown. With needing 3-5 spots to protect Rule 5 guys and possibly reserve an eventual spot for Frelick, I don’t know if it is in the cards. Regardless, it is nice to see Walters putting himself back on the prospect track even if it doesn’t end up benefiting Milwaukee. So many injuries slowed things down there.

This probably won’t be a popular opinion, but I think a reunion with Ray next year makes sense for the Brewers more than it does for Ray. Even if Frelick and Ruiz make the roster out of spring training, if the Brewers are confident in the readiness of Mitchell, going with a Ray or Whitley type might be more advantageous than using the spots alongside Mitchell, Wiemer and likely Lutz for high-floor, lower ceiling guys.

[Robocaller]

I'd like about half of them to re-sign, though I don't think any of them warrant protection. 

I think Monasterio could be a AAAA utility player like Mathias or Reyes.

[damuelle]

Great write-up. Thanks for this.

I hope we’re able to agree mutual re-ups with Herb, Oteto and Erceg, so they can continue their progression with an organization that seems to understand and believe in them.

I assume Zack Brown is at the stage in his career where he could sign a new minor league contract with spring training invite with a new club every season until his true MLB shot comes.

[UpandIn]

I'd like to see Ecerg, Brown, Luna, Chirino, Monasterio, Walters and of course Harris back. 

But particularly Ecerg, Brown, Walters and Harris. 

[Joseph Zarr]

Scratch 1B/3B Tyler White off that list it would appear:

 

[CheeseheadInQC]

Not standing in White's way if he had a potential path to the big leagues, outside of potentially helping a playoff rival given the restorative powers the Braves seem to have for some hitters, makes sense for both sides. He was probably behind Singleton as the break glass in case of emergency guy at first and this frees up the DH at-bats to use among the four outfielders and the catching duo at Nashville.

[CheeseheadInQC]

Not standing in White's way if he had a potential path to the big leagues, outside of potentially helping a playoff rival given the restorative powers the Braves seem to have for some hitters, makes sense for both sides. He was probably behind Singleton as the break glass in case of emergency guy at first and this frees up the DH at-bats to use among the four outfielders and the catching duo at Nashville.

[Robocaller]

Is Reyes on the 40-man? seems like he's been around awhile.

 

[Robocaller]

Is Reyes on the 40-man? seems like he's been around awhile.

 

[Outlander]

13 hours ago, Robocaller said:

Is Reyes on the 40-man? seems like he's been around awhile.

 

Yes, has been on the Brewers 40 man since early 2021. He is out of options next season however so a potential DFA.

[Outlander]

13 hours ago, Robocaller said:

Is Reyes on the 40-man? seems like he's been around awhile.

 

Yes, has been on the Brewers 40 man since early 2021. He is out of options next season however so a potential DFA.