Why Brewers could trade 3X All-Star catcher this offseason

In recent years, the Milwaukee Brewers have often traded their top players before it's time to discuss an extension. 

If the NL Central organization does not believe the two sides will agree to a new deal, the Brewers tend to try to find a trade suitor. 

"The Brewers have set a clear precedent of trading away their star players a year before free agency if they don't see a path to a long-term extension, with Freddy Peralta, Corbin Burnes and Josh Hader among the notable recent examples," Bleacher Report's Joel Reuter wrote Tuesday. 

One player the Brewers could consider trading during this upcoming offseason is catcher William Contreras. 

Brewers could entertain trade offers for Contreras

Contreras' value may never be higher than it is right now. The three-time All-Star is one of baseball's top hitting catchers, slugging 23 home runs with an .831 OPS in 2024. 

His production on offense and above-average defense behind the plate likely means a hefty payday is in the cards for Contreras. It's rare to find a catcher that can produce at this level on both sides of the ball. 

MORE: Dave Dombrowski reveals why Phillies didn't trade for a righty-hitting outfielder

"The move to buy-low on Bo Naylor in a trade deadline deal with Cleveland could be a hint that Contreras is not expected to be around long-term," Reuter added. 

It's not that the Brewers aren't interested in signing Contreras to a long-term extension. 

But the asking price of his next contract may be higher than the front office is willing to go. 

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