Erik Kratz was one of the best stories of the 2018 Brewers season. There were many great ones, but a journeyman catcher becoming a near-everyday catcher for the team was maybe the best one. Kratz put on a great postseason performance, and he will be always remembered by the Brewers faithful just like other random successful Brewers throughout the years. Kratz will be returning for another year as he avoids arbitration and signs a one-year deal with a bonus if he makes the team out of Spring Training. To me, more catchers the merrier and see what happens in the Spring.

THere’s a chance that Kratz’s success could be a one-year wonder. There are many examples of this through Brewers lore. Take Nyjer Morgan as the best example, or Bill Hall, who costed the team a ton of money, the organization is littered with them. But this is a low-risk move that’s fine to make if you’re Milwaukee. They may upgrade the catcher position by going after someone like Los Angeles Dodgers catcher Yasmani Grandal, but right now, they want protection in case they aren’t able to land Grandal. They don’t have the pieces for J.T. Realmuto, so, that’s a pipe dream for the Crew.

Happy to have Kratz back, and I’m not expecting the world from him. This is the same way I felt in June of last year when Milwaukee added from New York’s roster,s so, you never know, maybe he has another good year in him.

Charlie.