Jul 19, 2023; Philadelphia, Pennsylvania, USA; Milwaukee Brewers logo patch on the jersey of catcher William Contreras (24) against the Philadelphia Phillies Citizens Bank Park. Mandatory Credit: Eric Hartline-USA TODAY Sports
Milwaukee Brewers Release 1 Catcher Who Then Instantly Snagged A Major League Contract Elsewhere
The Milwaukee Brewers have had an interesting addition of catchers this off-season. William Contreras is returning, prospect Jeferson Quero was added to the 40-man roster in order to be protected from the Rule-5 draft, Eric Haase signed a major league contract, Austin Nola a minor league contract, and most recently Gary Sanchez joined the Crew as well.
What role will all of these catchers have on the Milwaukee Brewers?
At the top of the depth chart is William Contreras. He figures to see a lot of playing time behind the dish as well as the designated hitter. The addition of Gary Sanchez could allow Pat Murphy to keep both Contreras and Sanchez in the lineup regularly.
This leaves Eric Haase, who is out of minor league options, as the odd man out and a likely trade candidate this spring. Jeferson Quero will begin the year as a depth piece and Austin Nola would have been serving in a similar role.
Austin Nola has been released by the Brewers.
Milwaukee GM Matt Arnold released the following statement after he announced that Austin Nola had been let go by the team.
“With the addition of Gary Sanchez and our other depth at the catching position, we thought the chance at a new opportunity would be the right thing to do for Austin (Nola).”
Even if the Brewers hadn’t released Nola, he could have elected to opt out as soon as March 24 anyway. Under the new collective bargaining agreement opt out clauses were added to specific free agent signees. Players who signed minor league deals, have at least six years of service time, finished the previous season on a major league roster or injured list, and signed more than ten days prior to Opening Day have three opt out dates built into their contract. Those dates are five days before Opening Day, May 1 and June 1.
