The Milwaukee Brewers are shaking things up, and it’s got the baseball world buzzing. With a surplus of outfield talent, the team is reportedly open to trading some of their depth players, according to Ken Rosenthal and Will Sammon of The Athletic. But here’s where it gets interesting: while stars like Jackson Chourio and Christian Yelich are off the table—Yelich, after all, is locked in with a hefty $84.5MM contract over the next three seasons—the Brewers are eyeing moves involving Isaac Collins and Blake Perkins. And this is the part most people miss: Sal Frelick, despite drawing significant interest, is likely staying put due to his long-term club control.
So, who’s on the move? Collins and Perkins are the frontrunners, leaving one outfield spot up for grabs. Add Garrett Mitchell, Brandon Lockridge, and recent addition Akil Baddoo to the mix, and you’ve got a crowded roster. The Brewers aren’t in a rush to trade, though, thanks to minor league options for these players. But they’re open to deals, particularly for a relief pitcher with minor league options to bolster their bullpen-heavy strategy.
Isaac Collins is coming off a breakout season that turned heads. Finishing fourth in NL Rookie of the Year voting, he slashed .263/.368/.411 with 22 doubles, three triples, and nine home runs. His 16 stolen bases and 13% walk rate showcased his speed and plate discipline. Plus, he held his own as Milwaukee’s primary left fielder, earning solid defensive marks. Yet, at 28, questions linger about his ability to replicate that success, especially with middling batted ball metrics. Still, his disciplined approach and solid glove give him a high floor.
Blake Perkins, on the other hand, is the quintessential fourth outfielder. At 29, he’s a switch-hitter with a modest .232/.314/.339 career batting line. His speed and plus defense in center field make him a valuable asset, though his swing-and-miss tendencies are a concern. Perkins is under club control for four seasons and won’t hit arbitration until 2027, making him an attractive trade piece for teams like the Guardians, Angels, or Giants seeking defensive upgrades.
But here’s the controversial part: What about Garrett Mitchell? The former first-round pick is a tantalizing prospect with elite speed, power, and arm strength, but his MLB future is far from certain. Striking out in over a third of his plate appearances and battling injuries—including two shoulder surgeries—Mitchell is a high-risk, high-reward player. If the Brewers believe he’s their long-term center fielder, it could push Frelick and Chourio to the corners, making Collins expendable. But if doubts persist, Frelick might slide into center, leaving Mitchell and Perkins to compete for the fourth outfielder spot—and Perkins could be the one on the trade block.
So, what do you think? Are the Brewers making the right moves, or are they risking too much by trading proven talent? And is Garrett Mitchell worth the gamble? Let us know in the comments—this debate is far from over.
