As the Milwaukee Brewers eye the 2025 MLB season, one of their primary concerns is filling potential gaps left by the departure of key players like Willy Adames.

With free agency on the horizon, the Brewers need to be strategic about the additions they make to their roster. While there are myriad options available, let’s delve into which free agents the Brewers should steer clear of, starting with an honorable mention: outfielder Jesse Winker.

Now, Milwaukee bettors might remember Jesse Winker from the 2023 season, and not with fondness. The team took a chance on him after a difficult, injury-riddled 2022.

However, his .199 average with the Brewers didn’t exactly endear him to the fanbase. The discord was further fueled by an unfortunate incident where Winker clashed with Brewers’ fans over an interaction involving the beloved Willy Adames.

Adding to the saga, Winker somehow snagged a spot on Milwaukee’s 2023 playoff roster during their brief matchup with the Arizona Diamondbacks. In two appearances, he failed to make a mark, going hitless.

Midseason, Winker transitioned to the New York Mets, boasting a colossal $317 million payroll, where he didn’t hold back when speaking about his former team.

This, unsurprisingly, didn’t sit well with Brewers fans, who might be looking forward to the next Winker appearance in Milwaukee—one that could be a tad more confrontational.

As we look toward the future, it’s clear that the Brewers should pass on extending another offer to Jesse Winker. His tenure with Milwaukee was plagued by on-field struggles and off-field tensions that neither his stats nor his words could mend.

For the Brewers, steering clear of Winker in free agency might mean dodging unnecessary drama as they rally to fortify their lineup and build towards a successful 2025 season.