If the Milwaukee Brewers really want to compete in the National League in 2025, it makes sense to add some more firepower to the offense.
Milwaukee won 93 games in 2024 and should still be considered the top team in the National League Central, even if the Chicago Cubs aren't far behind. The Brewers have a lot of talent and should at least be able to compete for the division title again.
However, if the Brewers want to be successful in the playoffs, they will have to compete against teams like the Philadelphia Phillies, New York Mets, Atlanta Braves and the reigning champion Los Angeles Dodgers.
The Brewers have a very good squad, but certainly haven't been as active as other National League contenders. Adding a piece to the infield to replace Willy Adames could help with that. SB Nation's Harrison Freuck made a list of five hypothetical commitments for Milwaukee and one he mentioned was All-Star infielder Jorge Polanco.
“Polanco is probably one of the more attractive options on this list, but it is also one of the most expensive,” Freuck said. “He spent most of his career between second base and shortstop, and he also played third base. He's a switch-hitter who provides some pop (16 homers in 118 games in 2024; averaged 22 homers in 162 games for his career). Yes, he's a well below average defender (something the Brewers would hate), but he could be a good option as Milwaukee's junior infielder for a year or two as they approach the majors.
“Given his down season in 2024, he should be affordable for the Brewers with a contract somewhere in the ballpark of Kolten Wong's two-year, 2021 deal at $18 million. He is a real candidate for promotion after totaling 9.6 bWAR from 2021 to 2023 with the Twins.
Polanco's market value is estimated by Spotrac at $54 million over four years. He has 128 career home runs in 11 years and is finishing the 2024 season with the Seattle Mariners in which he hit 16 long balls and drove in 45 runs. It's definitely worth a look.
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