In 2022, Matt Arnold was working as the general manager of the Milwaukee Brewers under then-president of baseball operations, David Stearns. In late October of that year, Stearns stepped down from his role and moved into an advisory role within ownership; leaving Arnold to succeed him. 

Less than one year later, Stearns departed Milwaukee to become the president of baseball operations of the New York Mets. Now, just over three years later, the two men who were once running a franchise together engaged in a seismic deal as the Brewers traded two-time All-Star Freddy Peralta to New York.

In exchange, the Brewers received two of the Mets’ top prospects: Infielder/outfielder Jett Williams (No. 3) and right-hander Brandon Sproat (No. 5). In the aftermath of the blockbuster trade, Arnold discussed the move with Curt Hogg of the Milwaukee Journal Sentinel and other reporters in a group call. 

The first question to Arnold was hardly a softball, as it made him answer honestly about why he would move on from Peralta in a way that adds to a trend for the Brewers. Not long ago, they moved off Corbin Burnes and Devin Williams after successful stints with the team. 

Arnold did not shy away from the question and responded candidly. 

“The reality is we have one year left with Freddy Peralta,” Arnold said. “He’s a free agent at the end of the season. That’s always going to be a challenge for us.  

We’ve had to make these tough decisions. To add two players that we like and have them as a part of this group this season and well beyond, that is something that we felt is very good for the Milwaukee Brewers.” 

Arnold also openly discussed the importance of bringing back Brandon Woodruff, who accepted a $22.025 million qualifying offer to make him the second-highest paid player on the roster behind Christian Yelich. Woodruff is very effective on the mound, but a healthy campaign has alluded him for quite some time. 

It is certainly a risk to make Woodruff the centerpiece of the rotation if that is indeed Milwaukee’s plan, but perhaps the organization is trying to make the best of the situation. In the spotlight of the media, Woodruff’s salary for one season has drawn skepticism given the Brewers’ tight purse strings. 

In the end, Arnold made the move, and he had to have a poignant conversation with Peralta that served as a final stamp on the 29-year-old's tenure with the only club he has known for the last decade. 

“He meant a ton” Arnold said. Honestly, it was emotional for both of us. We both exchanged a lot of heartfelt thoughts. It’s stuff you wish you say more often to people you care about. 

I think that’s just a good reminder to all of us. We’ve both cared about each other for a long time. Traded for him at 19 years old. I’ve seen him grow up. I care so much about him and who he is and about his family. I reminded him that he’s always going to be a part of our Brewers family.” 

Now, it is time to look ahead to the future with both Williams and Sproat, both of whom might make an impact on the team’s major league roster sooner than later. Williams possesses the kind of tools manager Pat Murphy is familiar with, and Sproat already has experience on an MLB mound. 

“Both these guys are going to compete for spots on our team for opening day. In Jett’s case I think he’s a guy that’s a gamer that’s played everywhere. That’s great. That fits our team. It fits [Pat Murphy}’s style of player.  

He’s a gamer. He’s not that big but he plays with a ton of heart and he’s got incredible tools. He’s one of the fastest players in the minor leagues. I think that his versatility is something that’s going to fit very, very well for this team.” 

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