Jihwan Bae’s time in the New York Mets organization came to an end recently, but the former prospect did not remain without a team for long. Just days after being released by the Mets, Bae has already found another opportunity, joining the Milwaukee Brewers and immediately returning to the major league roster.
The Mets have had several minor league storylines attracting attention recently, particularly following the trade deadline, when a number of new players arrived in the organization. The club also parted ways with veteran outfielder Mike Tauchman. However, Bae’s departure is another notable development involving a player who spent the majority of the season working his way through the minor league system.
The Brewers moved quickly after Bae became available. Rather than allowing the versatile player to spend additional time looking for a new organization, Milwaukee signed him and immediately activated him to its major league roster. The move gives Bae another chance to demonstrate that his speed, athleticism and defensive versatility can still provide value at the highest level.
Bae’s arrival in Milwaukee comes after a complicated period with the Mets. New York acquired him during the offseason after claiming him off waivers from the Pittsburgh Pirates. The decision generated some controversy because Bae has a domestic violence suspension from 2019 attached to his record. That incident has remained part of the conversation surrounding his professional career.
Despite the controversy, the Mets elected to employ Bae as a minor leaguer throughout the season. However, he spent most of his time away from the spotlight with Triple-A Syracuse. The organization did not appear eager to give him a prominent opportunity at the major league level, even when the club experienced periods in which additional depth could have been useful.
From a baseball standpoint, Bae still produced enough in the minors to attract interest from another organization. He finished his minor league stint with a .257 batting average, a .360 on-base percentage and a .368 slugging percentage. More importantly, he demonstrated his ability to create opportunities with his legs, stealing 36 bases in 41 attempts.
Those numbers highlight the main attribute that continues to make Bae intriguing. While his offensive production in the majors has not been particularly impressive, his speed and athleticism provide another dimension. Bae has hit only .223 during his major league career, meaning Milwaukee will likely be hoping that his ability to run, defend multiple positions and put pressure on opposing teams can outweigh his limitations at the plate.
The Brewers’ decision to bring him aboard appears to have been influenced, at least in part, by a roster opening. Cooper Pratt landed on the injured list, creating a need for additional depth. Bae’s versatility made him a logical candidate because he has experience at multiple positions.
During his time in the minors this season, Bae spent much of his playing time at second base. He also saw significant action in the outfield, giving Milwaukee flexibility when managing its roster. That positional versatility, combined with his speed, could prove useful for a Brewers team looking for options while dealing with injuries.
His rapid transition from being released by New York to joining Milwaukee is also an interesting reminder of how quickly circumstances can change for players on the fringes of major league rosters. One organization may decide that a player no longer fits its plans, while another can immediately identify a role that makes sense.
Bae’s situation is especially notable because he had very little opportunity to establish himself with the Mets at the major league level. He appeared in only a limited number of games for the Pittsburgh Pirates in 2025, going 1-for-20 at the plate. After joining New York, the Mets eventually designated him for assignment in January.
Even though the Mets occasionally needed additional depth during the season, the organization never appeared inclined to bring Bae up and give him a meaningful chance. Instead, he remained in the minor leagues until his eventual release.
Milwaukee, however, saw enough value in his skill set to act quickly. The Brewers have one of baseball’s deeper farm systems, and Bae’s addition provides another athletic player capable of contributing at multiple positions. His signing may not be considered a major blockbuster move, but it could become useful if he takes advantage of the opportunity.
Bae also wasted little time making his presence felt after arriving with the Brewers. In his lone plate appearance on Sunday, he laid down a bunt against A.J. Minter and successfully reached first base for a single. The play was a perfect example of the kind of baseball Bae can bring to a team.
Rather than relying entirely on power, Bae can use his speed and instincts to create pressure. A well-executed bunt can force a defense to make a difficult play, and Bae’s ability to turn that opportunity into a base hit demonstrates why his athleticism remains an important part of his game.
For Mets fans, Bae’s quick move to Milwaukee may be viewed as an interesting footnote to his brief time in the organization. New York ultimately decided that he was not part of its plans, while the Brewers immediately saw enough upside to give him another major league opportunity.
There is also a clear distinction between Bae’s baseball ability and the controversy surrounding his past. His 2019 domestic violence suspension remains part of his history and has understandably influenced how some observers view his career. The Mets faced criticism when they acquired him, although the organization largely kept him out of the major league spotlight.
On the field, however, Milwaukee is now focused on what Bae can provide. His speed, versatility and minor league production give him tools that could make him useful as the Brewers navigate their roster. Whether he can translate those qualities into consistent major league production remains to be seen.
For now, the biggest development is simply how quickly Bae found another opportunity. He went from being released by the Mets to joining the Brewers in less than a week, and Milwaukee wasted no time putting him on its major league roster.
His journey is another reminder that a release does not necessarily signal the end of a player’s major league ambitions. For Bae, it has instead opened another door. The Brewers are willing to see whether his athleticism and versatility can help their club, giving the former Mets minor leaguer an unexpected opportunity to revive his major league career.
