The Milwaukee Brewers are entering a potentially transformative off-season with the impending departure of their star shortstop, Willy Adames.

As he hits the free-agent market for the first time, Adames is poised to land a lucrative deal, potentially surpassing the $200 million mark.

However, it’s likely that Milwaukee won’t be in the race to meet such a hefty price tag. This scenario leaves the Brewers with the challenging task of finding a new anchor for their infield.

The team has a couple of promising internal options to fill the void. Brice Turang and Joey Ortiz are both known for their stellar defensive work.

Turang, a Gold Glove finalist, and Ortiz, who many feel deserved a spot on that list, have proven they can hold down the fort. However, both players have distinct offensive profiles.

Turang, despite his defensive prowess, ended the season with an OPS+ 15 points below league average. His speed, illustrated by an impressive tally of over 50 stolen bases, offers a dynamic element.

Ortiz, on the other hand, finished with a slightly above-average OPS+ of 101.

If General Manager Matt Arnold opts to venture outside the organization, the free-agent pool isn’t brimming with options comparable to Adames.

The likes of José Iglesias and Paul DeJong appear to be the next best available talents, as the market isn’t teeming with top-tier shortstops. Yet there’s always the trade route, and here, Bo Bichette stands out as an enticing prospect.

Trade talks around Bo Bichette seem increasingly viable as the shortstop enters the final year of his contract with the Toronto Blue Jays. A deal that bought out his arbitration years stipulates Bichette’s base salary at just over $17 million for 2025.

For a Brewers’ side typically cautious about big spending, securing Bichette would be a one-year gamble with the chance of a solid return if he departs next year, possibly netting Milwaukee a compensatory draft pick, just as Adames would this off-season.

Bichette’s track record speaks volumes despite an injury-plagued 2024 season. Over the previous few years, he was a consistent power force, notching 20+ home runs and 30+ doubles over three straight seasons.

Nearing the 200-hit mark in both the 2021 and 2022 seasons, Bichette topped 100 RBIs once and grounded his stats with a .290+ batting average when healthy.

This kind of offensive firepower is rare and puts Bichette alongside Adames in terms of potential production.

Back in August, a report hinted at the Blue Jays’ willingness to field trade offers for Bichette, who appears set to explore free agency post-2025.

For Milwaukee, a pursuit of Bichette might also involve a broader trade strategy, potentially packaging players with higher salaries like Devin Williams, Aaron Civale, or Colin Rea to make the deal appealing.

As the Brewers navigate these waters, the decisions made this off-season could very well shape the trajectory of this franchise for years to come.

Keep an eye on any moves, as they could offer crucial insights into Milwaukee’s approach to maintaining competitive momentum.