The Brewers announced today that they have released infielder Brett Lawrie. He had been attempting to work back towards the majors on a minor-league deal after a long layoff.
Lawrie, who’s still just 29 years of age, hasn’t appeared in the majors since 2016 owing to a variety of leg ailments. When he landed with the Milwaukee organization, the idea was to build him back up physically before setting him loose on the ballfield to see what was left in the tank. Though his contract contemplated up to $7MM in earnings, it did not include substantial guarantees.
Milwaukee GM David Stearns explains that things just did not progress as hoped, as Tom Haudricourt of the Milwaukee Journal-Sentinel reports (Twitter links). Though he credited Lawrie for his effort, Stearns says that the former first-round pick was ultimately not able to achieve “benchmarks” that had been agreed upon at the outset. Lawrie did not advance to a point that he was ready for game action, as he was never sent out on assignment with a Brewers affiliate.
101reklaw
Indians?
dalrob
Very sad to hear. Last listened to him being interviewed about 2 years ago and he did not sound “well”.
willclarkgriswold
dudes gotta be a lunatic
qbass187
It too bad. I always thought this kid had tons of potential, despite acting like a colossal tool. I always hoped he’d land somewhere with some clubhouse leadership and get his head right.
youngTank15
He’s not a kid anymore he’s 29.
Aaron Sapoznik
Brett Lawrie’s situation is like the movie “Ground Hog Day”. He keeps trying to seek medical help and rehab from leg issues that he incurred with the White Sox back in 2016 and ultimately winds up back where he started…no MLB or MiLB appearances.
uvmfiji
Grab a Lowrie jersey and try to take third base at Citi Field
acarneglia
The sad part is that when he was healthy Lawrie was a pretty solid player
CrewBrew
hes done. gonna retire most likely.
clepto
Did his agent tell you that when you met with home over coffee this AM? Didnt he tell you that in confidence?
Joe Kerr
It’s an opinion and one that I agree with. If a guy hasn’t played for YEARS and can’t even get into a minor league game, retirement sounds like the most likely outcome. Does everyone need to consult with an agent to make a post on a blog?
CrewBrew
clepto hey bud that was a major fail but uhh, ill give ya an A for effort. Now back to Fortnite you go.
clepto
Well I guess you really did speak with his agent. Congratulations! Tell us. Does his agent consult you for advice on his other clients, since, you know….we can be modest here and not state what everyone already knows.
CrewBrew
Yeah he told me to tell you to play in traffic
frankiegxiii
Burn
2id
Why the hate dude? Do you feel the need to spout nonsense after you’ve yelled at your wife in public for not buying enough Swanson frozen meals or did you post after you kicked your dog for barking? Chill dude.
Tigers2384
Tigers should kick the tires.
CrewBrew
All flats, most likely totaled
Tigers2384
They could be patched. Only need a few more miles.
ColossusOfClout
All flats, most likely totaled? Wait, are we talking about Brewers pitching now?
Monkey’s Uncle
*sound of tires deflating*
90shair
Guy has one gear, FULL. And it’s always on. He left it all out on the field with the Blue Jays.
its_happening
Strong, athletic guy who hustled. Blue Jays organization allowed him to be a front foot hitter despite having more than enough pop to routinely hit 20 bombs. A lot of infield hits in his early days. There is a reason why the organization developed very few position players during the Ricciardi/Anthopoulos eras. He had an opportunity to do some big things in his home country. I was really hoping he’d make the comeback.
stubby66
Just sad that it wasnt able to workout for him. Especially since it sounded like the Brewers were willing to help him figure out the health issues. Hopefully he is better then what he was when he came in
ElMagoN9ne
Good for him. I hope he signs with a contender now.
Vanilla Good
Good one!
birdsfan415
Orioles? We need the help
bad bruce
I bought a Lawrie jersey earlier this year for like $12 on eBay.
27menout
I was just blocked by him on Instagram after simply saying that I hope he can catch on with another team after being released today.
jorge78
Kinda touchy!
jorge78
Why?
hiflew
This is why teams need to figure out whether someone has the love of the game before they worry about any type of skill set. If you don’t love the game, it doesn’t matter how talented you are.
stubby66
Maybe we can sign Cody Rasmussen isnt he the one that signs with the Orioles every year then decides his heart isnt into when he struggles
holycowdude
Colby Rasmus