While the Brewers find themselves in a 2-0 hole in the NLCS, we’re still here to provide you with updates on the series, Gold Glove Award finalists, qualifying offer news, and more.
NLCS Game 3 Pitching Probables
Per Curt Hogg and Adam McCalvy, Jose Quintana is expected to pitch in some capacity in Thursday’s NLCS Game 3, though it’s unknown if that’s as a starter or in relief. Sophia Minnaert added that Pat Murphy said the pitching plans are “under construction,” with Jacob Misiorowski another length option.
The Dodgers are expected to start Tyler Glasnow, who made 18 starts this year while dealing with injuries. He finished with a 3.19 ERA, 3.76 FIP, and 106 strikeouts across 90 1/3 innings. He’s been even better in the playoffs, making two appearances in the NLDS (one in relief and one start) against the Phillies, spanning 7 2/3 innings with no runs allowed and 10 strikeouts. He’s made nine career appearances (five starts) against Milwaukee, with a 4.55 ERA, 0-3 record, and 37 strikeouts over 31 2/3 innings, including two starts this season, totaling one run allowed with 11 strikeouts over 11 innings.
As a final note on the game, the Milwaukee Brewers are hosting a watch party at Davidson Park (3725 W Juneau Ave). Free admission for everyone, with photo ops, DJs, giveaways, food trucks, and more.
Gold Glove Finalists
MLB named three Gold Glove finalists at each position on Wednesday, with Sal Frelick and Brice Turang of the Brewers once again finding themselves among the best fielders in the league.
Turang is joined by Xavier Edwards (Marlins) and Nico Hoerner (Cubs) as finalists at second base. After taking home the NL’s Platinum Glove Award in 2024, Turang is looking to repeat at the position. Despite passing the eye test, Turang finished with -2 outs above average (OAA) by Statcast’s metrics, placing him in just the 29th percentile. This is likely Hoerner’s award to lose, after he took home the honor in 2023.
Frelick is joined by Corbin Carroll (D-backs) and Fernando Tatis Jr. (Padres) as finalists in right field. Frelick finished with +7 OAA, just behind Carroll’s +9 and Tatis’ +8. He was also second among right fielders in defensive runs saved at +9, behind Tatis’ +15 and just ahead of Carroll’s +7, while boasting a strong arm and good speed.
MLB sets qualifying offer price at just over $22 million
MLB officially set the qualifying offer price at $22.025 million, according to multiple reports on Tuesday night. The qualifying offer is calculated as the average salary of the league’s 125 highest-paid players, meaning it tends to rise each year as salaries grow. Last year’s qualifying offer rate was set at $21.05 million, making this nearly a $1 million bump.
Teams have until five days after the conclusion of the World Series to decide whether to issue qualifying offers to any impending free agents, and players issued the QO then have 15 days to decide whether to accept the deal or decline. Players are also free to speak with other teams during that 15-day period to understand their market.
The Brewers’ only potential QO candidate is Brandon Woodruff (who also has a $20 million mutual option), though that fully depends on his injury status. Other players expected to receive QOs include Bo Bichette, Dylan Cease, Michael King, Kyle Schwarber, Ranger Suárez, Kyle Tucker, and Framber Valdez, among others.
Last year, there were 13 qualifying offers issued, with only Nick Martinez of the Reds accepting his deal.
