Milwaukee Brewers

Milwaukee Brewers closer Josh Hader can make MLB history the next time he steps on the mound.

The southpaw pitched a scoreless inning in Sunday's 6-4 extra-innings loss to the San Diego Padres. He has now gone 19 appearances in 2022 without allowing a run, and his streak of 40 appearances dating back to last year is tied for the longest ever. Houston Astros reliever Ryan Pressly set the original mark.

One away from history!

Josh Hader ties the MLB record with his 40th consecutive scoreless appearance. #ThisIsMyCrew pic.twitter.com/rR4s0RSDcv

— FanDuel Sports Network Wisconsin (@FanDuelSN_WI) June 5, 2022

Hader is well on his way to a fourth All-Star appearance in five years. Following Sunday's outing, he has 18 saves and 28 strikeouts in 17.2 innings of work. His 1.1 WAR was also tied for third-most among relievers entering the day, per FanGraphs.

Alas, Hader's efforts weren't enough to help propel Milwaukee to victory. He maintained a 3-3 in the ninth, but Jake Cronenworth's three-run home run in the 10th off Trevor Gott was the game's decisive moment.

Former Philadelphia Phillies outfielder Andrew McCutchen has agreed to a contract to join the Milwaukee Brewers, according to ESPN's Jeff Passan.

Ken Rosenthal of The Athletic reported earlier on Monday that McCutchen was "in talks" with Milwaukee.

Here's a look at the Brewers' starting lineup with McCutchen added to the mix:

C: Omar Narvaez

1B: Rowdy Tellez

2B: Kolten Wong

3B: Luis Urias

SS: Willy Adames

LF: Andrew McCutchen

CF: Lorenzo Cain

RF: Hunter Renfroe

DH: Christian Yelich

The Brewers already have a strong crop of outfielders, so McCutchen will likely be a plug-and-play option in the outfield. He can relieve Christian Yelich in left field and allow the slugger to do what does best. McCutchen can also fill in for Lorenzo Cain in center field, where he won a Gold Glove in 2012.

It's also likely that McCutchen will see substantial time at designated hitter as well after the implementation of the universal DH rule.

Philadelphia had declined its club option on McCutchen earlier this offseason prior to the MLB lockout that lasted 99 days.

McCutchen originally joined the Phillies on a three-year, $50 million contract after the 2018 season. He hit .237 with 47 homers and 143 RBI in three seasons in Philadelphia.

McCutchen previously played for the Pittsburgh Pirates, San Francisco Giants and New York Yankees.

The Pirates drafted McCutchen 11th overall in the 2005 MLB draft. He made his major league debut in 2009 and quickly established himself as Pittsburgh's best player. McCutchen was named to five consecutive All-Star Games from 2011 to 2015.

McCutchen put together one of the best seasons of his career in 2013 to be named National League MVP. He batted .317 with 185 hits, 38 doubles, 21 home runs, 84 RBI and 27 stolen bases. McCutchen was instrumental in leading Pittsburgh to its first postseason appearance since 1992. McCutchen was the first Pirates player to be named MVP since Barry Bonds in 1992.

Pittsburgh traded McCutchen to San Francisco prior to the 2018 season. Midway through that year, he was traded to the Yankees.

McCutchen joining the Brewers provides them with a veteran presence and outfield depth. McCutchen still has a potent bat, recording 27 home runs and 80 RBI in 144 games last season.

The addition of McCutchen should bolster Milwaukee's chances to make another run to the postseason after four straight playoff appearances. The Brewers fell to the eventual champion Atlanta Braves in the NLDS last year.

The Boston Red Sox and Milwaukee Brewers made a trade before Major League Baseball's impending work stoppage.

On Wednesday, the Red Sox announced they traded outfielder Hunter Renfroe to Milwaukee in exchange for outfielder Jackie Bradley Jr. and minor-league infielders Alex Binelas and David Hamilton.

According to MLB.com's list of prospect rankings, Hamilton was the No. 16 overall player in Milwaukee's farm system, while Binelas was the No. 17 player.

Boston also landed Bradley in the deal and is surely familiar with what he can do. After all, he played for the Red Sox during the first eight years of his career before they traded him to the Brewers prior to the 2021 campaign.

Bradley was an All-Star in 2016, won a Gold Glove in 2018, helped Boston win the 2018 World Series and was the ALCS MVP that year as well. The 31-year-old also hit double-digit home runs five years in a row from 2015 through 2019 and surpassed 20 long balls twice during that span.

However, he struggled in 2021 for the Brewers and slashed .163/.236/.261 with six home runs and 29 RBI in 134 games. It was a far cry from when he finished with a career-best .283 batting average during the shortened 2020 campaign in his final year before Boston traded him.

Renfroe was much better this past year.

He slashed .259/.315/.501 with 31 home runs and 96 RBI for the Red Sox in 2021, which marked his fourth straight full season (not counting the shortened 2020 one) with 26 or more long balls.

The right-handed hitter will bring immediate power to Milwaukee's lineup and figures to provide much more offensively than Bradley did during his one season with the Brewers.         

Milwaukee Brewers pitcher Corbin Burnes was named the 2021 National League Cy Young Award winner while Robbie Ray of the Toronto Blue Jays took home the American League Cy Young.

Ray received 29 of 30 first-place votes while Gerrit Cole received the only other vote. 

Here's the voting breakdown for the 2021 American League Cy Young Award (via @officialBBWAA).

Robbie Ray received 29 of 30 first-place votes. pic.twitter.com/5GM2aQmp3P

— Max Goodman (@MaxTGoodman) November 17, 2021

Burnes and Zack Wheeler each earned 12 first-place votes in the NL race, though Burnes had enough overall points to take the top prize. 

Via the @officialBBWAA, here is the full breakdown on NL Cy Young Award voting. Zack Wheeler finishes second to Corbin Burnes, and closer than some expected. pic.twitter.com/4yr3l0Sz8O

— Tim Kelly (@TimKellySports) November 17, 2021

There was plenty of debate over the winner in both leagues with no runaway performers over the course of the season. 

Robbie Ray was the favorite to win in the AL after leading the league in ERA (2.84), strikeouts (248) and WHIP (1.05) as part of a breakout season for the left-hander.

Though the 30-year-old had always been a top strikeout threat on the mound, Ray cut down his walks this season with a career-low 2.4 per nine innings. It helped him develop into an ace during his first full season with the Blue Jays.

There was still competition in the AL, notably from Gerrit Cole after the New York Yankees star posted a 16-8 record and 3.23 ERA. The 31-year-old was an analytical favorite, topping Ray in FIP (2.92) and WAR (5.3), per FanGraphs. He also led the league with 5.9 strikeouts per walk.

Lance Lynn also had a solid argument for the award with his 2.58 ERA and 1.07 WHIP, though he didn't qualify for the league lead with just 157 innings.

Ray stood above the field as the top pitcher in the league just one season after struggling to a 6.62 ERA in 12 appearances.

Robbie Ray had a 6.62 ERA in 2020

That is the highest ERA for a pitcher in the season prior to winning Cy Young

Prior highest: 2007 Cliff Lee, 6.29 -- won ‘08 CYA

BASEBALL IS THE BEST. TURNAROUNDS ARE AMAZING!

(h/t @EliasSports)

— Sarah Langs (@SlangsOnSports) November 17, 2021

Robbie Ray, prior to this season, had only received Cy Young votes once in his career. Finished 7th that season. He just won the Cy Young as a member of the Toronto Blue Jays. Take a bow Pete Walker.

— Sid Seixeiro (@Sid_Seixeiro) November 17, 2021

The NL featured a closer battle between Max Scherzer, Corbin Burnes and Zack Wheeler once Jacob deGrom went down with a season-ending injury in July.

Scherzer split his time between the Washington Nationals and Los Angeles Dodgers and was effective in both spots, combining for a 2.46 ERA and major league-leading 0.86 WHIP. He was especially dominant after his midseason trade to the Dodgers, going 7-0 with a 1.98 ERA in 11 starts.

Wheeler led all pitchers with 7.6 wins above replacement, per Baseball Reference, while going 14-10 with a 2.78 ERA. He also posted two nine-inning shutouts and was truly dominant at times in 2021.

Burnes was more consistent over the course of the season, winning the ERA title with a 2.43 mark, and his 12.6 strikeouts per nine innings was also the best in the NL among qualified players.

Voters decided Burnes was the best of the bunch as he earned his first career Cy Young award.  

The Milwaukee Brewers have one of the best relief pitchers in all of baseball in Josh Hader, and MLB teams are wondering what it would take to acquire him.

FanSided baseball columnist Robert Murray reports that Hader is generating trade interest, and the Brewers are willing to at least listen to offers even though they don't intend on moving the lefty flamethrower.

"But there is once again trade interest in Hader, according to sources familiar with the situation," Murray stated. "The Brewers intend to listen to inquiries, as they always do, but are not looking to trade Hader, who is coming off arguably his best season in the majors."

Hader was named the Trevor Hoffman National League Reliever of the Year for the third time in his five-year career. After also winning in 2018 and 2019, he is now the first-ever three-time winner since the award's inception in 2014.

Hader finished with 34 saves and a career-best 1.23 ERA this past season. He dominated opposing batters throughout the second half of the season, as he didn't allow a run after July 28. The 27-year-old closer held opponents to a .126 batting average, the best among relievers by 22 points. He closed out a combined no-hitter for Milwaukee on Sept. 11.

Despite having such a young career, Hader is already the owner of multiple MLB records. He's the fastest player in history to reach 400 career strikeouts (234.2 IP), and he set records for most consecutive outs via strikeout (16) in 2018 and most consecutive hitless appearances (12) in 2020.

A three-time All-Star, Hader would be a major difference-maker in any MLB bullpen. While the Brewers don't have intentions to trade him, they could receive a massive haul if a team that believes Hader puts it over the top is willing to meet Milwaukee's hefty asking price. Listening to offers is the wise thing to do, though the likelihood is that Hader stays put.

Milwaukee made its fourth consecutive playoff appearance this season, falling in the NL Division Series to the eventual champion Atlanta Braves.

MLB announced the winners of the Reliever of the Year Award on Wednesday.

In the American League, Chicago White Sox closer Liam Hendriks took home the honors for the second consecutive season. The National League recipient is Milwaukee Brewers closer Josh Hader, who won the award for the third time in his career.

These two pitchers dominated out of the pen in 2021.

The Mariano Rivera AL Reliever of the Year: Liam Hendriks!
The Trevor Hoffman NL Reliever of the Year: Josh Hader! pic.twitter.com/GjBFc3usg6

— MLB (@MLB) November 11, 2021

Hader earned the honors in 2018 and 2019 and is now the first-ever three-time winner since the award's inception in 2014. At 27 years old, he has established himself as one of the best relievers in all of baseball since joining the Brewers in June 2017.

Hader finished with 34 saves and a career-best 1.23 ERA this past season. He was lights-out after the midway point of the year, as he didn't allow a run after July 28. Hader held opponents to a .126 batting average, the best among relievers by 22 points.

Hendriks signed the biggest contract for a reliever in average annual value last winter at three years and $54 million, and he proved that he was worthy of every penny. The 32-year-old led the AL with 38 saves and had a 2.54 ERA. His 2.7 WAR last season was the best among all MLB relievers, per FanGraphs.

The White Sox added another All-Star closer to their bullpen at this year's trade deadline, acquiring Craig Kimbrel from the Chicago Cubs. While Kimbrel didn't work out as a setup man, Hendriks remained a consistent force on the back end of the bullpen. He helped lead the White Sox to their first AL Central title since 2008.

Per MLB.com, the Reliever of the Year Awards are voted on by former relievers Mariano Rivera, Trevor Hoffman, Dennis Eckersley, Rollie Fingers and Lee Smith, John Franco and Billy Wagner.

Coming off a hugely disappointing 2021 season, Jackie Bradley Jr. has exercised his $9.5 million option to stay with the Milwaukee Brewers, per Jon Heyman of MLB Network and Audacy Sports.

Bradley had a prolonged free-agent period last offseason before signing a two-year, $24 million deal with the Brewers on March 4. He was coming off a solid 2020 campaign with the Boston Red Sox, posting a .283/.364/.450 slash line in 55 games. 

One potential reason it took Bradley so long to find a deal that appealed to him is a lack of consistency. The 31-year-old has been difficult to project from a year-to-year basis since making his MLB debut in 2013. 

After posting an above-average OPS+ in 2015 (119) and 2016 (118), Bradley posted three straight below-average seasons before the shortened 2020 campaign.

Bradley took a step back once again in 2021, hitting .163/.236/.261 with an OPS+ of 34 while making 134 appearances for Milwaukee.

Despite his inconsistencies at the plate, he has still been able to maintain a lot of value because of his defense in center field, though.  

From 2014-21, Bradley ranked seventh in both FanGraphs' ultimate zone rating (48.7) and in defensive runs saved (71) among all qualified outfielders. 

Bradley had another excellent defensive season in 2021. He ranked ninth among all National League players with a minimum of 400 plate appearances in defensive value (10.9) and tied for ninth in defensive runs saved (nine). 

It's because of this defensive ability that Bradley remained a regular in Milwaukee's lineup throughout the 2021 season, despite being the worst offensive player in MLB. 

Given how erratic Bradley has been as a hitter throughout his career, it's not a surprise to see him return to the Brewers. He is also going back to a team with a terrific foundation coming off an NL Central title with aspirations of competing for a playoff spot again in 2022.

Matt Arnold is "expected" to remain the Milwaukee Brewers' general manager after withdrawing his name from consideration to fill the New York Mets' president of baseball operations vacancy, Will Sammon of The Athletic reported Wednesday.

The Mets requested permission to interview Arnold about the president of baseball operations role, which is common practice for an executive who could secure a promotion with a different club, but it was never granted before he removed his name from the discussion.

Jon Heyman of MLB Network provided further details:

While Mets have interest in Brewers GM Matt Arnold for a top job they have yet to receive permission to interview him and there’s an expectation they may not get that permission. Milwaukee previously turned down Mets’ attempt to interview Crew baseball president David Stearns.

— Jon Heyman (@JonHeyman) October 27, 2021

Two MLB sources told SNY's Andy Martino that Arnold may have "language in his contract" that's more limiting when it comes to his ability to interview elsewhere.

Heyman later noted Arnold is also receiving an extension from Milwaukee after turning down the Mets' overtures.

The 42-year-old UC Santa Barbara product joined the Brewers in 2015. They promoted him to general manager last November.

Staying with the Brewers means his offseason will likely be focused on finding another high-end bat to slot in the middle of the club's lineup.

Milwaukee features one of MLB's best rotations, led by Corbin Burnes, Brandon Woodruff and Freddy Peralta, and a terrific one-two punch in the bullpen with Josh Hader and Devin Williams.

The Brew Crew's batting order features solid depth, but it lacked a cornerstone with the decline of 2018 NL MVP Christian Yelich. The outfielder posted a mediocre .752 OPS with just 21 home runs in 175 games over the past two seasons.

One more marquee bat could push the Brewers, who won the NL Central with a 95-67 record before getting eliminated by the Atlanta Braves in the Division Series, into the World Series conversation next year.

Meanwhile, the Mets are set to reshape their front office after failing to reach expectations in their first year under new owner Steve Cohen. They finished third in the NL East at 77-85.

Mike Puma of the New York Post reported Tuesday the team previously contacted two other high-profile candidates, Theo Epstein and Billy Beane, but neither of those longtime baseball executives felt it was the right position for them.

New York could promote from within as assistant general manager Ian Levin and vice president of amateur and international scouting Tommy Tanous lead the internal options, per Puma.

The Mets, like the Brewers, have a strong rotation and promising bullpen pieces, but the offense needs ample work if they're going to chase down Atlanta in the NL East next year.

The New York Mets are reportedly considering Milwaukee Brewers general manager Matt Arnold for their president of baseball operations vacancy, according to Mike Puma of the New York Post. 

The Mets might have extended an offer to Arnold, Puma added. 

Arnold has been with the Brewers since the fall of 2015, when he was hired as the team's vice president and assistant general manager. He became the 10th general manager in Milwaukee history in November 2020.

Before joining the Brewers, the 42-year-old spent nine seasons with the Tampa Bay Rays and assisted with player acquisitions and evaluations, along with contract negotiations. He has also worked for the Cincinnati Reds, Los Angeles Dodgers and Texas Rangers. 

The Mets initially had their sights set on Brewers president of baseball operations David Stearns but were denied permission to speak with him, Joel Sherman of the New York Post reported last week. 

Oakland Athletics executive vice president of baseball operations Billy Beane, former Boston Red Sox and Chicago Cubs executive Theo Epstein and San Francisco Giants general manager Scott Harris were initially being considered for the position, according to Puma. Beane and Epstein were not interested in the job, while Harris recently withdrew himself from consideration. 

Mets owner Steve Cohen could make an internal hire if Arnold declines the job, Puma added, and assistant general manager Ian Levin and vice president of amateur/international scouting Tommy Tanous are being considered. 

It has been a lengthy front-office search for the Mets, to say the least. The club was unable to hire a president of baseball operations last winter and hired Jared Porter as general manager with the intention that he could one day serve as president. 

However, Porter was fired just weeks following his hiring after it was revealed he engaged in inappropriate conduct in 2016, which included sending "explicit, unsolicited texts and images" to a female reporter, according to ESPN's Mina Kimes and Jeff Passan. 

Assistant general manager Zack Scott was elevated to acting GM and seen as a possible candidate to replace Porter before an August DWI charge put his status with the organization into question. 

The Mets finished the 2021 season with a disappointing 77-85 record. While changes are coming in the front office, the team is also looking for a new manager after firing Luis Rojas and could make several changes on the field before the 2022 campaign begins.  

The Atlanta Braves have reached the National League Championship Series for the second straight year with a 5-4 victory over the Milwaukee Brewers in Game 4 of the NL Division Series at Truist Park on Tuesday.

Freddie Freeman provided the knockout blow with a go-ahead homer off Brewers closer Josh Hader in the eighth inning.

🗣 #MVFree! #MVFree! #MVFree!@FreddieFreeman5 | #BattleATL pic.twitter.com/pDn14OY9t3

— Atlanta Braves (@Braves) October 13, 2021

Neither offense lit up the scoreboard in the series, but the Braves took control with timely hits when they had runners in scoring position. They also shut out the Brewers 3-0 in Games 2 and 3.

Even in the Game 1 victory, the Brewers offense was mostly silent. The NL Central champions were held scoreless in 25 of their first 26 innings.

After three scoreless innings, both offenses came alive. The Brewers took their first lead of the series since the end of Game 1 on back-to-back RBI singles by Omar Narvaez and Lorenzo Cain.

The Braves got right back into the game in the bottom of the fourth on Eddie Rosario's two-run single.

Milwaukee had a response of its own in the top half of the fifth. Rowdy Tellez, who hit the go-ahead two-run homer in Game 1, took Huascar Ynoa deep to give the Brewers a 4-2 lead.

Atlanta turned around with two runs to tie the game in the bottom of the fifth. The score stayed tied at four until Freeman's heroics against arguably the best closer in Major League Baseball.

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Braves Breakthrough Late to Reach NLCS

Even though the Braves kept pace with the Brewers throughout the game, they missed a number of scoring opportunities before Freeman's homer put them over the top.

Atlanta finished Game 4 going 2-of-13 with runners in scoring position. This has been a glaring problem for the Braves throughout the series. They had just two hits in 17 at-bats in those situations during the first three games.

Adding to the unlikely nature of Freeman's homer is how dominant Hader has been against left-handed hitters all season. The Brewers closer allowed a .133/.220/.156 with no homers allowed in 45 at-bats against arm-side hitters in 2021.

Freeman off Hader!? Left on left!? Wowwwwww. Freddie approaching goat status! @FreddieFreeman5

— Marcus Stroman (@STR0) October 13, 2021

Freeman's OPS against lefties this season was a respectable .760 in 171 at-bats, but he only hit seven of his 31 homers off of them. The reigning NL MVP had a .949 OPS in 429 at-bats against right-handed pitchers in 2021.

Freddie Freeman became the 1st player in franchise history with a go-ahead HR in the 8th inning or later in a series-clinching win. pic.twitter.com/ugQOO86JqB

— ESPN Stats & Info (@ESPNStatsInfo) October 13, 2021

You talk about a big #Postseason moment.

Freddie Freeman just had it.

105.9 mph and 428 feet.

Majestic. My word.

— Grant McAuley (@grantmcauley) October 13, 2021

I sleep easier at night knowing I don't have to face Freddie Freeman anymore.

— Jerry Blevins (@jerryblevins) October 13, 2021

By clinching the series in Game 4, Atlanta manager Brian Snitker has the benefit of lining up his pitching staff however he wants for the NLCS.

Max Fried, who tossed six shutout innings in the Game 2 win over Milwaukee, seems likely to get the nod to start the National League Championship Series. The 27-year-old has been their best pitcher all year, boasting a 3.04 ERA in 28 starts.

Charlie Morton could return for Game 2 after throwing 3.1 innings on Tuesday. He only allowed two runs and had five strikeouts before being pulled despite throwing only 69 pitches.

Rookie Ian Anderson will also be well rested whenever his number gets called. The 23-year-old tossed five shutout innings in Game 3 against the Brewers on Monday.

The Braves are four wins away from their first World Series appearance since 1999.

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Counsell's Gambit Doesn't Pay Off

In a win-or-go-home situation, Brewers manager Craig Counsell threw out everything he could think of to keep his team alive. 

The biggest surprise in the game was the decision to use Brandon Woodruff, who threw 91 pitches in Game 2 on Saturday, in relief. The right-hander replaced Aaron Ashby with two outs and two runners on in the bottom of the sixth inning. 

It paid off, as Woodruff got four outs to keep the score tied at four going into the eighth inning. 

Brandon Woodruff on to pitch in the 6th with runners on the corners for the Braves. First relief appearance for him since game 7 of the NLCS in 2018

— Jeff Levering (@JLevering4) October 13, 2021

https://twitter.com/TalkinBaseball_/status/1448079526710419457

After Woodruff's night was done, Counsell elected to put Josh Hader into a tie game in the eighth inning. The left-hander has not pitched more than one inning all season. 

We now have an answer for what it would take for the #Brewer to bring in Josh Hader in the 8th inning.

Tie game in an elimination game. That'll do it.

His last outing of more than one inning was last October, when Craig Counsell brought him in in the 5th, in another elim game

— Jayson Stark (@jaysonst) October 13, 2021

It was a smart strategy in practice, but it wound up backfiring in execution. Hader had no problem getting the first two outs in the inning. He needed just seven pitches to strike out Rosario and Dansby Swanson. 

Freeman took the first pitch he saw from Hader deep to straightaway center field for the go-ahead home run. 

Josh Hader had faced 231 batters this season giving up only 3 HR, and none to lefties.

That changed when @FreddieFreeman5 stepped up to the plate. pic.twitter.com/onb9YijiLY

— MLB Stats (@MLBStats) October 13, 2021

This series wound up being a microcosm for the Brewers entire season. Their pitching staff performed well enough to win. They only gave up 12 runs in four games to an Atlanta lineup that scored the eighth-most runs in MLB during the regular season (790). 

Milwaukee's starting pitchers combined to allow five earned runs in 19.2 innings. But it was the offense's inability to produce that has been the team's Achilles heel all season. 

The Brewers scored the fewest runs (738) during the regular season among the eight teams that reached the Division Series. Only the New York Yankees (711) and St. Louis Cardinals (706) were worse among all playoff teams. 

Rowdy Tellez was their only player with more than one extra-base hit in the series. His homer in Game 4 was their only non-single in the loss. 

Virtually all of Milwaukee's core is under contract next season. Eduardo Escobar, who was acquired in a midseason trade with the Arizona Diamondbacks, is the only significant contributor eligible for free agency. 

Unless the Brewers want to dip their toes into free agency for a hitter or two, their biggest goal in the offseason will be trying to get Christian Yelich (103 OPS+ since the start of 2020) playing closer to his peak levels in 2018 and 2019 if they want to improve the offense.    

What's Next?

The Braves will play the winner of the Los Angeles Dodgers-San Francisco Giants series in Game 1 of the NLCS on Saturday.