What Milwaukee Brewers fans feared came true on Friday as Jake Bauers and the Boston Red Sox agreed to a four-year, $58 million contract.

To say that Bauers had a massive year would be an understatement. He led the Brewers during the regular season with 26 home runs and a .389 OBP in 144 games.

Bauers ranked third on Milwaukee with 86 RBIs and finished first among qualified hitters with an .874 OPS.

He also had a big impact in the postseason, particularly in the National League Championship Series, where he earned MVP honors after hitting .286 with one double, one home run and six RBIs during the Brewers’ four-game sweep of the Los Angeles Dodgers.

Bauers’ overall postseason production wasn’t as impressive. Overall, he hit .191 with one home run and six RBIs in 13 games.

Losing Bauers leaves a massive hole in Milwaukee’s lineup. The Brewers must replace a productive player who led by example in the clubhouse, and someone who delivered during their run to the World Series title.

Milwaukee could respond by pursuing Ty France, as he can play first base and contribute as a designated hitter. Paul Goldschmidt represents another interesting possibility.

Goldschmidt demonstrated in 2026 that he can still contribute despite being 39 years old. The New York Yankees used him extensively against left-handed pitchers.

Overall, he hit .252/.313/.452 with 18 home runs, 52 RBIs and a .765 OPS in 105 games during the 2026 season.

Goldschmidt earned $4 million last season and should not require a substantial contract in free agency this winter.

Andrew Fischer could eventually develop into a leading power hitter for the Brewers after hitting 48 home runs with 114 RBIs in 126 games during his first full professional season in the minors in 2026.

Fischer is a left-handed hitter capable of playing first or third base.

Milwaukee may decide that Fischer deserves an MLB opportunity out of spring training or shortly after the 2027 season begins. Pairing him with an experienced right-handed hitter such as Goldschmidt could provide the Brewers with an effective platoon.

Goldschmidt would not be expected to replace Bauers alone or play every day. Milwaukee could use him primarily against left-handed pitching while allowing Fischer to receive opportunities against right-handers.

That arrangement would give the Brewers a veteran option without blocking one of their most promising young hitters. Goldschmidt’s experience could also help Fischer adjust to MLB pitching and understand the daily preparation required at first base.

His age creates obvious limitations, and Milwaukee would need to manage his workload carefully. However, a smaller role could help preserve his effectiveness throughout the season.

Goldschmidt still offers power, experience and an understanding of how opposing pitchers attack hitters in important situations. He has spent years handling the expectations attached to being a middle-of-the-lineup presence.

On an affordable short-term contract, Goldschmidt could stabilize first base while Fischer develops. The pairing would not recreate everything Bauers provided, but it could give Milwaukee a practical and inexpensive way to replace part of his production in 2027.