Call to the pen
Fansided

MLB Payroll Analysis and Offseason Preview: Milwaukee Brewers

By Joshua Mayer

May 26, 2016; Atlanta, GA, USA; Milwaukee Brewers left fielder Ryan Braun (8) is congratulated by third base coach Ed Sedar (6) after a home run against the Atlanta Braves in the fifth inning at Turner Field. Mandatory Credit: Brett Davis-USA TODAY Sports
May 26, 2016; Atlanta, GA, USA; Milwaukee Brewers left fielder Ryan Braun (8) is congratulated by third base coach Ed Sedar (6) after a home run against the Atlanta Braves in the fifth inning at Turner Field. Mandatory Credit: Brett Davis-USA TODAY Sports /
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May 29, 2016; Milwaukee, WI, USA; Milwaukee Brewers catcher Jonathan Lucroy (20) and pitcher
May 29, 2016; Milwaukee, WI, USA; Milwaukee Brewers catcher Jonathan Lucroy (20) and pitcher /

Upcoming Free Agents

Player 2016 Salary ($) WAR Stats
RP Chris Capuano 1.5 M -0.5 16 G, 4.13 ERA
RP Blaine Boyer 950 K 0.3 57 G, 4.21 ERA
Totals 2.45 M -0.2 –

Not much of note here, as the two upcoming free agents for the Brew Crew have combined for -0.2 WAR this season. Neither of their numbers really scream for them to be brought back.

Chris Capuano does have a history with Milwaukee, as he played five years of his career there after debuting in a single season with the Diamondbacks. An All-Star in 2005, Capuano pitched to a 4.34 ERA from 2004-2010 with the Milwaukee Brewers, missing all of 2008 and 2009 due to injury.

After struggling badly with the Yankees in 2015, the Brewers decided to resign their old hurler. This was a move that did not make much sense in the grand scheme of the Brewers rebuilding plan. Because of this anomaly, it should not be ruled out that the Brewers resign Capuano again on a one-year deal. Maybe they like what he brings to the clubhouse, or maybe they feel he can still pitch with a few minor tweaks. After all, even rebuilding teams are always going after talent.

Currently, Capuano is on the 60-day DL with an elbow issue and is unlikely to return this season. He put up decent stats in his first season as strictly a relief pitcher. People in Milwaukee were excited about his transformation to the bullpen in the spring, so it is conceivable that he is brought back in 2017 for a bullpen role.

Moving to another bullpen man, veteran righty Blaine Boyer is an upcoming free agent. With a still unsettled pen, Boyer could be brought back as a depth option in 2017. It is more likely though that he is let go to allow the younger pitchers in Milwaukee to have more opportunities. It could have been a different story if Boyer had stronger numbers this season, but he has limped to a 3.4 K/9. That, combined with his average ERA and advanced age of 35 does not bode well for his chances of a comeback with the Brewers. Still, he should easily latch on with a minor league deal elsewhere if he wants to continue his 10 year career.

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