Welcome to SB Nation Reacts, a survey of fans across the MLB. Throughout the year we ask questions of the most plugged-in Brewers fans and fans across the country. Sign up here to participate in the weekly
emailed surveys.
Last week, we asked Brewers fans to weigh in on what the team should do with staff ace Freddy Peralta. This week, we’re asking fans about some outside help for the rotation.
The Brewers’ pitching staff was a strength for much of 2025, but with Brandon Woodruff and Jose Quintana likely heading for free agency, and Peralta potentially on the trading block, the Brewers are certainly looking for an additional veteran presence for the 2026 squad.
As they did with Quintana late in spring last season, the Brewers will likely be looking to add a veteran arm, though we all know Mark Attanasio, Matt Arnold, and Co. prefer a cheap option. Instead, we’ll take a look at some solid-but-affordable options. The names below are listed in order of 2024 & 2025 fWAR, per MLB’s free agency tracker.
Jack Flaherty
Flaherty had a rough 2025 after a great 2024 season between Detroit and the Dodgers. Over 28 starts in 2024, Flaherty had a 3.17 ERA and 194 strikeouts across 162 innings. He returned to the Tigers on a $25 million one-year deal last offseason, and he does have a $20 million player option for 2026. He struggled to an 8-15 record with a 4.64 ERA and 188 strikeouts over 161 innings, but his FIP (3.85) nearly outpaced his ERA by a full run, and it was only slightly worse than his 2024 FIP (3.47).
Flaherty would need to exercise his option within five days of the World Series ending, which means we’ll know by next weekend whether he’s returning to Detroit. It wouldn’t be surprising either way, as Flaherty may prioritize signing a longer deal for less money entering his 30s. If he is looking for a multi-year deal, it will likely be in the $15-$20 million range, which could be a bit pricey for Milwaukee’s front office.
Chris Bassitt
Bassitt, 37 next spring, was a potential trade deadline candidate with the Blue Jays the last few seasons, though he’s stuck with Toronto since 2023. An 11-year veteran, Bassitt has a career 3.64 ERA, 3.95 FIP, and 1,191 strikeouts over 1,278 2/3 innings. He bounced back from a mediocre 2024 to pitch to a 3.96 ERA, 4.01 FIP, and 166 strikeouts over 170 1/3 innings in 2025.
At the end of a three-year, $63 million deal, Bassitt likely won’t make nearly that much in 2026. He’s probably looking more in the $14-$18 million range, which makes him slightly more affordable than Flaherty, although he is seven years older.
Zac Gallen
Gallen, 30, is a free agent for the first time in his career after using up his arbitration years in 2025. A Cy Young finalist in 2023, Gallen had a slightly down year in 2025, pitching to a 4.83 ERA, 4.51 FIP, and 175 strikeouts over 192 innings. In his final year of arbitration, he avoided a hearing and agreed to a $13.5 million contract.
Per Spotrac, Gallen’s market value is in the four-year, $75 million range, which would work out to $18.75 million/season. Given his rough 2025 campaign, it wouldn’t be surprising if he opted to look for a one-year “prove it deal,” especially given his agent, Scott Boras, whose clients have often done just that (e.g., Blake Snell and Jordan Montgomery).
Merrill Kelly
Kelly, who turned 37 earlier this month, was a late bloomer who spent several years in South Korea before finally catching on with the D-backs in 2019. He was a solid arm for seven years with Arizona, totaling a 3.74 ERA, 3.98 FIP, and 865 strikeouts across 953 innings. He was sent to the Rangers at the trade deadline, pitching to a 4.23 ERA, 4.18 FIP, and 46 strikeouts over 55 1/3 innings down the stretch with Texas.
Kelly’s last contract was for two years, $18 million with a $6 million club option for 2025, which was picked up by Arizona. Kelly is in the same universe as Bassitt, which is to say that he’s likely looking at $14-$18 million per year as a veteran presence on a contending team.
Which arm would you most like to see in Milwaukee next season? Answer the poll below and stay tuned for results later this week!
