Brandon Woodruff’s long run in Milwaukee may have reached its end. The veteran right-hander, the last link to the Brewers’ 2018 squad that kickstarted their recent era of success, became a free agent Monday after declining his half of a $20 million mutual option.

Instead, Woodruff will receive a $10 million buyout and hit the open market once again. It’s a familiar situation for the 32-year-old, who went through free agency last offseason before re-signing with Milwaukee on a two-year deal while recovering from shoulder surgery that wiped out his 2025 campaign.

Woodruff’s decision brings some uncertainty to a Brewers rotation that has already undergone change in recent seasons. When healthy, he has been one of the National League’s most reliable starters, posting a 3.10 ERA over his eight seasons with Milwaukee and leading the team through multiple playoff runs. His next move will depend on how teams view his health heading into 2025, but a reunion with Milwaukee isn’t out of the question.

The Brewers did make one straightforward move, picking up right-hander Freddy Peralta’s $8 million club option for 2026. Coming off a career-best year, Peralta started 33 games and went 17-6 with a 2.70 ERA, solidifying himself as the staff ace heading into his final season before free agency.

With Peralta in place and Woodruff’s future uncertain, Milwaukee’s front office faces key decisions this winter as it looks to keep its rotation steady and extend the club’s competitive window in the NL Central.