As MLB teams finalize their rosters before Opening Day, notable moves have emerged from the New York Yankees and Milwaukee Brewers. The Yankees are set to kick off the season against the Brewers, having added J.C. Escarra, Pablo Reyes, and Ryan Yarbrough to their major league roster. Meanwhile, the Brewers opted to send veteran pitcher Jose Quintana to the minors, while their rotation includes Freddy Peralta, Nestor Cortes, and Aaron Civale.

One intriguing decision by the Brewers was to keep Jake Bauers, who had a rough previous season but demonstrated promise during the Cactus League with strong offensive numbers. His versatility as a pinch-runner or insurance at first base could prove valuable, especially with Rhys Hoskins's injury history. Bauers’s clutch performance in the previous postseason has earned him another shot to prove himself in the Bronx.

The Milwaukee Brewers have made strategic roster decisions as they prepare for the upcoming season. In a recent move, infielders Tyler Black and Caleb Durbin were optioned to AAA, leaving Jake Bauers in a prime position to secure a spot on the Opening Day roster. Bauers has been impressive this spring, boasting a .278 batting average and a .989 OPS with notable improvements in strikeout rates.

Manager Pat Murphy expressed confidence in Bauers' abilities, especially as he competes for the backup first-base role alongside Rhys Hoskins. The Brewers are also keeping an eye on potential external acquisitions as they finalize their roster. Additionally, José Quintana's pitching schedule is under review as he aims to return to action soon, adding another layer of excitement as the season approaches.

The Milwaukee Brewers have signed first baseman Jake Bauers to a minor league contract, allowing him to join major league spring training. Bauers, who recently became a free agent, previously played for the Brewers in the 2023 season, recording a .199 batting average with 12 home runs and 43 RBIs over 116 games. He also showcased his power in the playoffs, hitting a crucial homer in the Wild Card Series against the New York Mets.

Throughout his career, Bauers has played for several teams, including Tampa Bay, Cleveland, Seattle, the New York Yankees, and the Brewers, accumulating 51 home runs and 183 RBIs. With Rhys Hoskins expected to take the starting role at first base for the Brewers, Bauers will aim to prove himself during spring training.

The Milwaukee Brewers are set for a potential overhaul in their starting rotation as right-handers Frankie Montas and Colin Rea head into free agency. Montas declined a mutual option worth $20 million, while the Brewers opted against Rea's $5.5 million club option, resulting in buyouts for both players.

This season, Montas recorded a 7-11 record with a 4.84 ERA, while Rea had a 12-6 record and a 4.28 ERA. Other notable roster moves include the New York Mets claiming Kevin Herget off waivers and the Chicago Cubs claiming Rob Zastryzny.