As spring training kicks off, the Milwaukee Brewers find themselves in a unique position—one that could shape their season in ways most fans don’t even realize. The secret weapon? Player option status. This often-overlooked detail gives the Brewers a level of flexibility that could be the difference between a good season and a great one. But here’s where it gets controversial: while this system allows teams to shuffle players between the majors and minors, it also raises questions about player stability and long-term development. Is it fair to keep players in a constant state of flux? Let’s dive in.
What Are Player Options, and Why Do They Matter?
Player options are a critical tool in roster management. When a player is first added to the 40-man roster, they are given three options. These options allow the team to send the player to the minors without exposing them to waivers. Here’s the catch: once a player spends 20 days in the minors, one of their options is used for the year. Players can be recalled and optioned multiple times in a season, but only one option is burned annually. However, they can only be optioned five times in a single season before requiring outright waivers—a risky move that could see them claimed by another team.
And this is the part most people miss: Players out of options can only be sent to the minors if they’re designated for assignment, removed from the 40-man roster, and placed on outright waivers. Players with more than three years of Major League service or those who have been outrighted before can reject this move and become free agents. Meanwhile, players with five years of service must agree to any minor league assignment, no questions asked.
The Brewers’ Option Landscape This Spring
This spring, the Brewers have a treasure trove of options at their disposal. Many players have at least one option remaining, giving the team ample room to maneuver. Let’s break down the roster by option status, starting with those who have none.
Zero Options
- Position Players: Greg Jones, Eddys Leonard
- Pitchers: Rob Zastryzny, Peter Strzelecki, Jacob Waguespack
Here’s the twist: most of these players are non-roster invitees on minor league deals, meaning they can stay in the minors without issue—unless they have opt-outs in their contracts. The exception? Rob Zastryzny. He’s the only player on the 40-man roster with no options left and under five years of service time. If he doesn’t make the roster out of camp, he’ll be exposed to waivers. Talk about high stakes!
One Option
- Position Players: William Contreras#, David Hamilton, Brice Turang, Akil Baddoo, Steward Berroa, Tyler Black^, Jeferson Quero^
- Pitchers: Grant Anderson, Aaron Ashby, DL Hall, Trevor Megill, Quinn Priester, Abner Uribe, Angel Zerpa, Easton McGee, Sammy Peralta, Carlos Rodriguez^, Gerson Garabito*
This group includes players like Tyler Black, Carlos Rodriguez, and Jeferson Quero, who may be eligible for a fourth option under MLB’s complex rules. But here’s where it gets controversial: MLB allows a fourth option for players with fewer than five full seasons (including minors) if their three options are exhausted. However, this isn’t automatic—teams must apply, and MLB makes the final call. Is this rule fair, or does it give teams too much control over player careers?
Two Options
- Position Players: Joey Ortiz, Blake Perkins, Andrew Vaughn#, Brandon Lockridge
- Pitchers: Jared Koenig, Chad Patrick, Logan Henderson, Robert Gasser, Kyle Harrison, Craig Yoho, Drew Rom*
Players like Brandon Lockridge and Logan Henderson still have flexibility with two options remaining. Lockridge is likely headed to the minors to start the season but could be a key depth piece later on. Pitchers like Koenig and Patrick, however, are near locks for the opening day roster.
Three Options
- Position Players: Jackson Chourio, Sal Frelick, Garrett Mitchell
- Pitchers: Jacob Misiorowski, Coleman Crow, Shane Drohan, Brandon Sproat
These players are on the 40-man roster but haven’t used an option yet. Most were added when they were called up to the majors, except for Coleman Crow, who was protected from the Rule 5 Draft. Players like Crow, Drohan, and Sproat are projected to start the season in the minors, burning their first option.
Non-Roster Invitees (Never on 40-Man Roster)
- Position Players: Luke Adams, Eduardo Garcia, Luis Lara, Jesús Made, Darrien Miller, Cooper Pratt, Ramón Rodríguez, Brock Wilken, Jett Williams, Matthew Wood
- Pitchers: Tate Kuehner*
These players haven’t used an option since they’ve never been on the 40-man roster. As long as they stay off it, they can remain in the minors without burning an option. But once they’re added, the clock starts ticking.
Over Five Years of Major League Experience
- Position Players: Jake Bauers, Luis Rengifo, Gary Sánchez, Christian Yelich, Reese McGuire*
- Pitchers: Brandon Woodruff
Players in this group, like Christian Yelich and Brandon Woodruff, cannot be optioned without their consent. The exception? Reese McGuire, who’s in camp on a minor league deal. If he’s added to the roster, he gains the same protection.
The Bigger Picture: Flexibility vs. Fairness
The Brewers’ option status gives them incredible flexibility this season. But it also raises questions about player stability and development. Is it fair to keep players in a constant state of flux between the majors and minors? And what does this mean for their long-term careers? These are the kinds of questions that spark debate among fans and analysts alike.
What do you think? Is the option system a necessary tool for team management, or does it give organizations too much power over players’ careers? Let us know in the comments—this is one conversation you won’t want to miss!
