The Milwaukee Brewers have plenty to celebrate after winning the World Series. They can go ahead and enjoy the championship a bit before turning their attention to the offseason. However, Milwaukee has important decisions ahead as it attempts to keep its championship core together, and Jake Bauers should be at the top of its priority list among pending free agents.
Bauers put together an impressive season for the Brewers, establishing himself as a valuable offensive contributor before delivering several important hits during the postseason. At 31 years old, he still has plenty to offer Milwaukee, making a short-term contract a reasonable way to keep him around as the team looks to defend its title.
Jake Bauers proved his value in Milwaukee
Bauers finished the regular season hitting .266 with 26 home runs and 86 RBIs. His .874 OPS tied for 10th in MLB, while his 3.3 WAR showed how much he contributed beyond his traditional batting statistics. His batting average was actually better against lefties than righties, but by just 0.01 percentage point.
Those numbers make a strong case for bringing him back. Bauers provided Milwaukee with power and run production throughout the season, giving the lineup another threat capable of changing a game with one swing. The Brewers should not overlook that kind of production when evaluating their roster for 2027.
He also showed his value during the postseason. Although Bauers finished with a .191 batting average, he recorded nine hits, six RBIs, and one home run. His overall average was weighed down by a slow start in the NLDS, but he heated up later in the postseason when Milwaukee needed contributions from throughout its lineup.
There are concerns, particularly his 19 postseason strikeouts. But it should not erase what Bauers accomplished over the course of the season. His regular-season production provides a much larger sample of what he can bring to the team.
A short-term deal makes sense for both sides
Milwaukee does not necessarily need to make a long-term commitment to retain Bauers. A two-year deal, potentially including a player or club option, could give the Brewers some flexibility while rewarding a hitter who played an important role in their championship season.
Bauers also fits into the team's existing lineup. Christian Yelich, Brice Turang, Sal Frelick and Garrett Mitchell give Milwaukee several prominent left-handed hitters. However, Bauers' power makes him a valuable option even with that left-handed presence.
The Brew Crew should not let the opportunity to retain a productive player slip away. Re-signing Bauers would preserve some continuity in a lineup that helped deliver a championship, and a shorter contract would limit the long-term risk if his production declines.
Article Continues BelowMilwaukee has other business to handle
Winning the World Series could mean Milwaukee takes some time before making major roster decisions. That is understandable after a long postseason run, but the front office eventually must begin planning for the next season.
World Series MVP William Contreras is another important name to watch. He has a club option for next season, and picking it up should be the expected outcome. Milwaukee should also explore an extension to keep its star catcher in place beyond that commitment.
Still, Contreras' situation should not distract from the need to address the pending free agents. Bauers has earned serious consideration after producing at the plate and contributing during the championship run.
The Brewers do not need to overhaul a roster that just won it all, but maintaining the right pieces will be essential to their chances of returning to the postseason. Bauers has demonstrated that he can provide power, drive in runs, and contribute when the stakes are highest. A two-year contract with an option would give Milwaukee a practical path toward retaining him without making an excessive commitment.