Jake Bauers' Postseason Heroics Could Price Him Out of Milwaukee
The free-agent slugger, an NLCS MVP who considered quitting baseball, wants to stay with the Brewers but his performance may command a salary beyond their reach.
Jake Bauers, the Milwaukee Brewers' NLCS MVP, has expressed a strong desire to continue his career with the team, stating, "I would love to come back. I would love to spend the rest of my career here." However, his standout performance this season, including 26 home runs and an .873 OPS, has raised questions about whether his newfound success may have priced him out of the small-market team's budget.
Bauers, 31, underwent a significant career turnaround after a period where he considered retiring from baseball. His remarkable season marks a substantial improvement from his previous career norm, with his 87 OPS+ for the Yankees in 2023 being his prior benchmark.
As a free agent, Bauers is now in a position to capitalize on his performance. His career earnings are estimated at $4.6 million, according to Baseball-Reference, though this figure likely omits some MLB minimum salary years. Analysts suggest he could command a contract comparable to Ryan O'Hearn's two-year, $29 million deal with the Baltimore Orioles. Despite the potential for a lucrative contract, Bauers has indicated that his focus remains on the World Series.
