The Brewers hopes of contending in 2024 just took a big hit.
And perhaps that influences whether to-be free agent manager Craig Counsell stays in Milwaukee or looks to Flushing or other potential openings.
Brewers righty Brandon Woodruff, who has one year left on his contract, underwent surgery Friday to repair the anterior capsule in his right shoulder, the team announced.
Woodruff is now expected to miss most, if not all, of the 2024 season, per MLB.com.
The injury hurts the Brewers in their quest to repeat as NL Central champions, especially with the Reds and Cubs aiming to build off last season’s successes and the Cardinals sure to rebound.
That could play a part in Counsell’s looming decision about his Brewers future and if he may jump ship to join ex-Milwaukee president David Stearns with the Mets.
The two-time All-Star made just 11 starts this year while dealing with injuries, but he went 5-1 with a 2.28 ERA.
He missed four months with a subscapular strain this season before returning in August, but he missed the Brewers’ NL Wild Card sweep by the Marlins due to the injury.
Dating to his breakout season in 2019, he’s 41-23 with a 2.93 ERA spanning 103 games.
Now, his career could be in the balance since shoulder surgery can affect a pitcher’s future.
The injury likely takes him off the trade market, where pitching-needy teams like the Mets and Yankees could have made him a target and potentially signed him to an extension.
It’s possible the Brewers could try to extend Woodruff for one year to have him under contract in 2025 when he should be recovered, but a long-term deal is all but off the table.
It’s also possible that the Brewers non-tender Woodruff, which would mean he hits free agency this offseason.
The Mets have Kodai Senga and Jose Quintana locked into starting spots, but otherwise, they will need to be active in the offseason if they decide to try to contend in 2024.
The Yankees have Gerrit Cole and Carlos Rodon locked into spots, but Nestor Cortes is coming off an injury and the other two spots are up for grabs.
