The Milwaukee Brewers would not be where they are right now without Jake Bauers, but he is about to hit free agency, and he has set himself up for a major payday.
Bauers signed a minor-league deal with the Brewers before the season, but he had a phenomenal spring training and made the team. However, it took some luck for him to get the opportunity to shine.
Andrew Vaughn was hurt in the first game of the year, and Bauers stepped in as the regular first baseman. He hit well against both lefties and righties, and when Vaughn was back, Bauers was so good he had to stay in the lineup. The Brewers used him in right field and first base, and he never did anything to lose his spot.
He won the National League Championship Series MVP Award, and The Athletic's Jim Bowden predicted he would sign a four-year, $56 million deal. Bauers' career earnings are just under $10 million, so $56 million is a big deal.
Bowden tabbed the New York Mets and Brewers as fits for Bauers. Bauers would fill a huge hole at first base for the Mets. They failed to replace Pete Alonso's production, and Bauers' breakout season makes him a candidate to do so.
Bauers is no Alonso, but his newfound approach and mindset could indicate that this season was more than a fluke. The Brewers would love to have him back, but he may have priced himself out of Milwaukee. They still have Andrew Vaughn and Blake Burke in the minor leagues to play first base.