With the Brewers perched atop the National League standings at 83-53, every roster move matter–especially with the playoffs looming. Baseball insiders are now buzzing over a suggestion from Brandon Glick at FanSided: could a reunion with former infielder Luis Urías offer the Brewers added depth for October? As a utility man with multi-position experience and prior success in Milwaukee, his return represents both familiarity and upside.
Though Urías was released after a disappointing stint with the Athletics–batting just .230/.315/.338 over 96 games–the context of a September call-up is appealing. As a versatile defender and experienced bat, he could provide value during roster expansion while costing nothing in return. It’s a low-stakes idea with potential rewards, perfect for a team fighting for October relevance.
“Athletics DFA Luis Urías, making him a September roster expansion candidate for Brewers
Urías was a fixture on the Brewers in the beginning part of the decade, playing 330 games and drawing over 1,000 at-bats with the team from 2020-23,” Glick said.
“He was quite good during the meat of that tenure, providing the Brewers with 6.3 WAR across the 2021 and 2022 seasons…”
Why Milwaukee Needs Versatility, Not Just Power
More than every other month, late-season baseball rewards flexibility. Milwaukee’s club has solidified its rotation and bullpen, yet disruptions–injuries, slumps, or fatigue–can derail a team in a heartbeat. Adding a proven piece who can slot into multiple infield positions or pinch-hit offers strategic advantages without sacrificing opportunity cost.
Urías had a 6.3 WAR in 2021–22, with a .244/.340/.426 line and 39 home runs, underscores the real value he once provided. While his recent struggles limit expectations, even a modest contribution off the bench could be pivotal in tight September matchups.
“Unfortunately, the wheels fell off at the beginning of the 2023 season, and the Brewers traded Urías at the trade deadline that year to the Boston Red Sox. He’s been a journeyman since then, playing for the Seattle Mariners in 2024 before joining the A’s this year,” Glick said.
Chourio’s Activation
While veterans may help balance the roster, the Brewers’ playoff hopes are also being fueled by youth–most notably Jackson Chourio. The 20-year-old outfielder has injected energy into the lineup this season, showcasing speed, defense, and flashes of power that already hint at stardom.
Chourio was reinstated from the injured list during Saturday’s game against the Blue Jays.
“I’m someone who enjoys playing the game,” Chourio said. “I enjoy this game. And being sidelined, I think, got to me a little bit. It was hard to support the team while I wasn’t playing in games.”
Chourio’s emergence allows Milwaukee to be more flexible with late-season roster decisions. With a young cornerstone providing production in the outfield, the team has the freedom to consider veterans like Urías for more specialized depth roles rather than relying on them for everyday output. It’s a blend of youth and experience that gives the Brewers a balanced October blueprint.
How a Reunion Fits the Brewers’ September Strategy
Major League rosters expand in September, though only to 28 players now. That creates a narrow window for reinforcements, and every added piece must justify its role. For the Brewers, choosing a versatile veteran like Urías over an untested prospect could be the difference in a tight pennant race.
The move would also be consistent with Milwaukee’s broader philosophy–building competitive teams on efficiency rather than splashy acquisitions. The Brewers have thrived on maximizing value from overlooked or underappreciated players, and Urías fits that mold. Bringing him back would be less about nostalgia and more about strategic insurance heading into October.
The Risks and Rewards of Bringing Him Back
Of course, there are risks. Urías’ struggles in Oakland suggest his bat has cooled, and his defensive consistency has wavered at times. There’s no guarantee that a reunion would recreate his 2021 success. But in a role defined by spot starts, pinch-hitting, and late-game defensive duty, expectations are modest. The Brewers wouldn’t need him to be a star–just a steady hand.
The reward, meanwhile, could be significant. In October, margins are razor-thin. A single clutch hit, a double-play turn, or even a walk in the right moment can alter a series. Urías has shown before he can deliver in those situations, and a return to familiar surroundings might re-energize his game.
Like Heavy Sports’s content? Be sure to follow us.
This article was originally published on Heavy Sports
The post Brewers’ Playoff Push Could Include Return of Versatile Infielder appeared first on Heavy Sports.