Brandon Woodruff expects to spend most, if not all, of next season rehabbing from shoulder surgery. He won’t be rehabbing in a Milwaukee Brewers uniform.
brewers announced on friday They will not offer Woodruff a contract in his final season of arbitration eligibility, making him a free agent a year earlier than previously expected. Roddy Tellez Reliever pitcher JC Mejía suffered a similar fate.
The decision essentially means the Brewers decided it wasn’t worth keeping Woodruff in 2024 given his injury, as the salary received in arbitration reflects past performance rather than expected performance next season. MLB trade rumors Woodruff is expected to receive $11.6 million in arbitration fees this offseason.
The Brewers could have signed him to a multi-year deal to give him a chance to rehab and return in a familiar environment, but they clearly couldn’t find one that would work. issue a statement General manager Matt Arnold recognized what the pitcher meant to the team after the no-tender:
“Today we must make a very difficult decision involving one of the best pitchers and people in franchise history. Brandon Woodruff distinguished himself with grace, kindness, heart and toughness during his 10 seasons with the franchise. represented the Brewers. He was recognized as an outstanding teammate, both on the field and in the community, and he and his wife, Joni, made a positive impact on the lives of many around him. We cherish his memory We are open to returning to Milwaukee, and no matter what uniform he wears next, Woody will always be a part of the Brewers family.”
Woodruff will now likely sign a multi-year deal with another team, and he should gain some perspective based on his recent performance.
The right-hander ranks fourth among all qualified MLB pitchers with a 2.76 ERA past four seasons, and ranked ninth with a 3.13 FIP. In today’s pitcher-starved MLB, the prospect of acquiring a two-time All-Star pitcher on a cheap deal is very tempting, even if you might have to wait a year to reap the rewards.