The Milwaukee Brewers extended “multiple” contract offers to Yasmani Grandal in an effort to re-sign the veteran catcher, according to MLB Insider Robert Murray:
The Brewers made an attempt at re-signing Yasmani Grandal, extending multiple offers during free agency, according to sources. In the end, four years, $73 million was out of their price range. Said one source: “We tried.”
— Robert Murray (@ByRobertMurray) November 21, 2019
Grandal eventually signed a four-year, $73 million deal to join the Chicago White Sox. He did issue a statement on Twitter thanking the fans in Milwaukee:
I wanted to thank the Milwaukee @brewers organization and the fans. You guys took my family and I in with open arms and made it a very special year. We are grateful for all the love you showed us. Thank you! 😈😈😈 pic.twitter.com/sLKTm0axE2
— Yasmani Grandal (@YazmanianDVL08) November 21, 2019
Unfortunately, the Brewers were never regarded as the favorites to retain Grandal. Despite a glaring need at catcher, Milwaukee also has to grapple with payroll as they look for starting pitching upgrades and hope to solidify third base with Mike Moustakas hitting the free-agent market as well.
Grandal had a massive market coming off the best year of his career. He declined a four-year, $64 million deal with the New York Mets and instead signed a one-year, $18.25 million deal with the Brewers.
The 31-year-old posted career-high marks in home runs (28), walks (106) and OPS (.848) while once again rating as one of the best pitch framers in the game and playing multiple positions for Milwaukee.
Grandal made his mark on the postseason as well, clubbing a two-run homer off of Max Scherzer in the first inning of the National League Wild Card Game only for the Brewers to squander that lead in the eighth.
Nevertheless, Grandal's only season in Milwaukee was certainly one to remember.
The Brewers now pivot to other catchers on the market. They could look at the likes of Travis D'Arnaud or Jason Castro as they try to re-sign Moustakas, as they would likely be more cost-effective alternatives to someone like Robinson Chirinos.