Following a dominant 2026 season that saw the Milwaukee Brewers claim their first franchise World Series title, the team faces the potential departure of several core players. Milwaukee reached unprecedented heights this year, securing a franchise-best 103 regular-season wins before defeating the Tampa Bay Rays 4-1 in Game 5 of the Fall Classic. 10 Best Brewers Players Who May Not Be Back for 2027 Season After Historic World Series Win. The two-time All-Star catcher won his first World Series title in 2026. Woodruff, who made his MLB debut with the Brewers in 2017, has been with the franchise for nine years. Milwaukee Brewers catcher William Contreras turned in a string of heroic performances for the franchise in its first World Series-winning campaign in 2026.
Despite this historic success, management now faces a complex roster transition. Several integral pieces of the championship squad are headed toward free agency, arbitration, or potential trade scenarios that could reshape the team for 2027.
Slugger Jake Bauers, who set career highs with 26 home runs and 86 RBIs this season, is set to become a free agent. Bauers set career highs in home runs (26) and RBIs (86) over 144 regular-season games.
As the reigning NLCS MVP, he is expected to draw significant interest from clubs seeking power-hitting infielders. Similarly, veteran pitcher Brandon Woodruff—the longest-tenured player on the roster with nine years in Milwaukee—is entering free agency and is considered unlikely to return. He continued his hitting form in the postseason and was named the NLCS MVP for his heroics against the Los Angeles Dodgers.
The team is also bracing for the departure of pitcher Dustin May and reliever JoJo Romero. May declined his $20 million mutual option this week, while Romero, who proved vital during the postseason by allowing only one earned run across seven appearances, is also entering the free-agent market. However, the 29-year-old pitcher is heading into free agency after declining a $20 million mutual option with the Brewers this week. Romero, who played 11 games for the Brewers during the regular season, pitched eight innings in the postseason. He played 23 games for the Brewers in the regular season. He batted.188 with five RBIs in 15 games in the postseason this year.
Catcher Gary Sánchez, who returned on a one-year deal, holds a mutual option for 2027 worth $1.75 million with a $250,000 buyout. His future remains uncertain given his limited postseason usage. Meanwhile, Antonio Senzatela, acquired at the trade deadline, may also leave if the club opts not to exercise his $14 million option for the upcoming season. Mitchell, who signed a one-year contract worth $950,000 for the 2026 season and is arbitration-eligible for 2027, could be traded in the offseason amid the logjam of outfielders.
Strategic trades could also define the winter months. World Series MVP William Contreras is entering his final year of arbitration eligibility. While the Brewers are expected to exercise his $14.5 million club option for 2027, he remains a candidate to be traded while still under contract.
The bullpen may also see changes as closer Trevor Megill is arbitration-eligible. Given the franchise’s historical precedent of trading high-profile relievers before they hit free agency, Megill could be moved despite his stellar postseason run, which included a joint-best five saves.
The outfield faces similar uncertainty with Garrett Mitchell, who is arbitration-eligible.
Following his contribution to the title run, he could be traded due to a logjam of outfield talent within the organization.
Infielder Brice Turang also faces potential trade talks; although he has three years remaining on his deal, he is projected to earn $9.5 million through arbitration, and the team may look to leverage his value given their depth of infield prospects.
