The Milwaukee Brewers concluded their 2024 Major League Baseball winter meetings in Dallas on Wednesday. While they added a few players to enhance their pitching depth, general manager Matt Arnold acknowledged that the groundwork had been laid for potential future deals. Milwaukee still has its needs, and they possess one of the top closers in the game, Devin Williams, who could be available at the right price.

Uncovering the Milwaukee Brewers' Winter Meeting Moves

Christian Yelich's Spring Training Preparation

Almost four months have passed since Christian Yelich underwent a microdiscectomy procedure, which ended his 2024 season. However, he is now on track to be ready for spring training. The outfielder, who turned 33 last week, had an all-star year, hitting.315 with 11 home runs, 42 runs batted in, and an OPS of.909 in 73 games. Due to his recurring back problems, he decided to end his season early. Yelich is not yet swinging a bat but is engaging in other baseball movements as he continues his ramp-up to 2025. "Obviously, we missed him a ton last year on the field," said general manager Matt Arnold. "But having that surgery sooner allowed him to have a more traditional, full off-season, and he feels great right now. We have a lot of people regularly in touch with him, and he's in a really good spot."

Yelich's return is a significant boost for the Brewers as they look to strengthen their lineup in the upcoming season.

Brewers' Cautious Approach to Brandon Woodruff's Recovery

Another former big contributor, right-hander Brandon Woodruff, who underwent major 2023 shoulder surgery, will likely be closely monitored and ramped up more gradually as the Brewers progress through camp. Woodruff, who turns 32 on Feb. 10, was paid $2.5 million to rehab in 2024 and will receive $5 million for 2025 with a $10 million buyout on a 2026 mutual option that is likely not to be exercised."When asked if Woodruff could be penciled into Milwaukee's opening-day rotation, Arnold said, 'It's hard to say at the moment. We certainly have expectations that he'll be part of our rotation. We also want to be cautious with him and his health.'"

The Brewers are taking a measured approach to ensure Woodruff's full recovery and optimal performance in the future.

Jackson Chourio's Winter Ball Participation

The Brewers are allowing 20-year-old rookie sensation Jackson Chourio to play for Zulia in the Venezuelan Winter League. Chourio played 12, 21, and 17 games in his first three tours for Zulia in his hometown of Maracaibo. While general manager Arnold hasn't specified a specific number of games this time, it's likely to be on the conservative side."In close conversations with his agent and Chourio, we have a very clear plan. There's a limited amount of time he'll play there, and the type of role he'll play is also defined. We want him to get at-bats as it's important for his development. Keeping him up to speed with live pitching is always a good thing. We also need to be cautious about his health."

Chourio's participation in winter ball provides him with valuable experience and helps him continue to grow as a player.

Brewers' Acquisitions and Losses in the Rule 5 Draft

On Wednesday, the Brewers selected left-hander Connor Thomas, a St. Louis Cardinals minor-leaguer who pitched at Class AAA Memphis in the past two seasons, in the Rule 5 draft. They also added left-hander Grant Wolfram, a Texas Rangers minor-leaguer who reached as high as Class AAA Round Rock, on a one-year major-league deal. Thomas, who turns 27 on May 29, was a fifth-round pick in 2019 and had a career-high 56 appearances in 2024 (three starts), finishing 7-4 with a 2.89 ERA and a 1.34 WHIP. Teams must keep Rule 5 picks in the major leagues the entire season or offer them back to their original team for $50,000. Wolfram, who turns 28 on Thursday, was 4-1 with a 3.13 ERA and a 1.23 WHIP in 46 appearances split between Round Rock and Class AA Frisco in 2024 and also saved six games. However, the Brewers also lost right-hander Shane Smith to the Chicago White Sox as the first pick in the Rule 5 draft. Smith, 24, was 6-3 with a 3.05 ERA and a 1.05 WHIP in 32 appearances (16 starts) split between Class AA Biloxi and Class AAA Nashville, striking out 113 in 94⅓ innings.

The Brewers' moves in the Rule 5 draft add depth to their pitching staff while also experiencing a loss.

Brewers' Addition of Depth for Spring Training

As is the case every offseason, the Brewers have been systematically adding depth by signing players to minor-league deals with non-roster invitations to spring training. The players added so far include right-handers Jon Duplantier, Deivi García, and Vinny Nittoli and left-hander Thomas Pannone. The catchers are David García and Ramón Rodríguez. The infielders are Raynel Delgado (second base, third base, shortstop), Ernesto Martinez Jr. (first base), and Anthony Seigler (second base, catcher). The outfielders are Jimmy Herron and Jared Oliva. All four pitchers have previous major-league experience, with García being a former big-time prospect with the New York Yankees and Pannone having made one appearance for the Brewers in 2023.

The Brewers' efforts to build depth for spring training are crucial for their upcoming season.

Fond Farewell to Shortstop Willy Adames

Everyone knew that when Willy Adames' time with Milwaukee ended, he would move on to greener pastures. Adames, who is joining the San Francisco Giants on a seven-year, $182 million deal, is one of the Brewers' biggest fan favorites."He plays every day and you want him in big situations. He's proven it time and time again. He loves it and revels in it. He wants to interact with people and be in the spotlight. It takes a lot to reach that level and maintain it day in and day out. I can't say enough about who he is. Player skills are one thing, but his character and how he conducts himself, treats people, and leads are remarkable. A big void will be left."

Adames' departure is a significant loss for the Brewers, but his impact will be remembered.