Rangers have chance to strike after Brewers’ trio of impactful transactions

Free agency is just days away from starting and as general managers are about to execute their offseason plans and adapt to unforeseen challenges the NL Central champion Milwaukee Brewers made their first moves and the Texas Rangers could benefit.

The Brewers first moves of the offseason consisted of them making Jose Quintana and Rhys Hoskins free agents. They also decided to go to arbitration with William Contreras rather than pick up his club option.

The Rangers needs are obvious with catching, veteran arms and experienced power bats. Given how Globe Life Field and American Family Field played at the 22nd and 24th-lowest ranked hitter friendly parks, their aren't expected to be major drop-offs from production due to non-age or injury factors.

2 veterans departing from Milwaukee could help Texas in 2026

Grabbing from the Brewers would make a lot of sense. The Brewers typically scout and choose their players very carefully to build a top tier roster yearly which includes cyclical rotations of veterans. Quintana and Hoskins contributed in ways that would benefit the Rangers.

Hoskins would be able to slide into the lineup against lefties while contributing off the bench at first and DH. His reverse splits this past year show that his game has continued to change since his devastating ACL tear in 2023. He will likely be cheap in a "prove it" deal as well that could explode if he starts to click again.

Jose Quintana would be able to give starts or come in long relief. The Rangers might look to elevate Jacob Latz and Cody Bradford to the starting rotation which would necessitate a replacement. If they decide to keep either Latz or Bradford in long relief, then depth arms would also be necessary. If the Dodgers and Blue Jays showed anything this year, its that depth in starters is key to a successful year.

Rangers are in desperate need to raise the floor of performance. The floor bottomed out offensively and it lead to a massively disappointing year. It wasted historic pitching performances while also showing no signs of future improvement.

Adding veteran arms has been a staple of the Rangers since 2019. Guys like Mike Minor, Lance Lynn, Martin Perez, Kyle Gibson and others gave huge seasons to Texas. Quintana is another veteran that stylistacally compliments the Rangers staff and gives them a funky left hander look they lack.

Both options won't break the bank and will fit the budget. Potential departures from Tyler Mahle, Jonah Heim, Joc Pederson and Adolis Garcia open up opportunities for both to slide right in and contribute.

Heim, Pederson and Garcia all DH'd at times and would give plenty of at bats to anyone that would step in. Even with Hoskins dip in numbers post injury, his OPS would be a significant upgrade over most of the lineup.

Texas should consider blockbuster move for William Contreras too

To be able to win in the AL West, the ceiling must also be raised significantly on offense. There were too many black hole spots in the lineup that were "solved" by just getting mediocre play. A trade might be necessary to solve a major problem.

The Rangers have tried to sign, develop, or draft a catcher since 2023 and have shown no signs of doing so. Jonah Heim fell off a cliff after 2023, Malcolm Moore is underperforming offensively to where he was drafted, and Kyle Higashioka is a better compliment than main stay as a back stop.

The Brewers have shown they prefer to avoid long term deals for non MVP level bats. Christian Yelich got a deal while bats like Willy Adames have been left to leave in free agency. The chances William Contreras is available are higher than some might believe.

Contreras has been a Brewer since the 2022 offseason after being acquired via trade from the Atlanta Braves. He has been a high tier bat ever since but did have a stutter season in 2025. His OPS fell below .800 for the first time since 2021 and his value could go down as his club control dwindles away.

It is very important to note that denying his club option does not mean he is gone. It is a formality as they will likely save money by denying a $12 million option by settling before or going to arbitration. The willingness to consider potential arbitration is a sign though his future in Milwaukee may not be promised.

If you add on an impending lockout, they might not want to sign a catcher long term. Many teams will be balking at signing players this offseason while others will go for it all. Texas has said they're trying to reduce payroll while getting younger. Adding Contreras would do both.

Texas does not have the highest prospect pedigree but does have viable pieces. Jeferson Quero for the Brewers knocking on the door of the Brewers big league club might also make Malcolm Moore intriguing for Milwaukee. Adding in other guys like a Corniell, Santos, or Rosario could help close a deal.

Milwaukee is always very active at flipping rosters and it will be very touch and go. If Chris Young is serious about reducing payroll, getting younger, and still competing, adding Contreras is how you check every box.