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The Milwaukee Brewers made a bold move ahead of the MLB trade deadline, acquiring catcher Danny Jansen from the Tampa Bay Rays while designating Eric Haase for assignment. In a candid moment after the announcement, manager Pat Murphy didn’t hold back about the difficulty of the roster decision.
Murphy’s words came in response to a question about Haase, who had become a dependable clubhouse presence despite limited playing time. Milwaukee Journal Sentinel’s Todd Rosiak took to X (formerly known as Twitter) to share the emotional quote following the move.
“Brewers confirm acquisition of C Danny Jansen from the Rays.
To clear room, Eric Haase is DFDd.
Pat Murphy made it clear that doing so was tremendously painful, but that he trusts the front office to improve the team in any area it can.”
Jansen arrives in Milwaukee at a critical juncture, with the Brewers clinging to a slim lead in a tightly contested NL Central race over the St. Louis Cardinals and Chicago Cubs. His addition strengthens the catching corps behind William Contreras, who has played through persistent hand issues this season. With 11 home runs in 2025 and years of veteran experience, Jansen offers immediate offensive upside and much-needed depth for a club eyeing a deep postseason run.
While Jansen brings power and familiarity—having grown up in Appleton, Wisconsin—the decision to designate Haase for assignment still stung. The backup catcher was hitting .256 with 4 homers in 28 games and had delivered in clutch moments. Fans flooded social media expressing their disappointment, many hoping Haase clears waivers and lands back in Triple-A Nashville.
From a tactical vantage, the Brewers needed an insurance plan. With Contreras catching more innings than pretty much anyone else in baseball and top prospect Jeferson Quero sidelined, the front office had little choice. The former Rays catcher's platoon advantage against left-handers and his playoff experience were likely key factors in the decision.
Haase’s removal also underscores the ruthless nature of MLB trade deadline season. Murphy’s statement—acknowledging the pain while backing the front office—captured that duality, a manager balancing team chemistry with postseason ambition. Jansen, for his part, adds a hometown storyline as he now suits up at American Family Field just miles from where he grew up.
This move signals Milwaukee’s commitment to pushing deep into October. With just days before the deadline, more changes could be coming, possibly to the bullpen or outfield. But no matter what follows, the designation stands as a reminder of the sacrifices often required in pursuit of a championship.
