Offseason Outlook: Milwaukee Brewers

theScore's baseball editors breakdown the past year for each team and look ahead to the offseason.

Free agents: Francisco Rodriguez, Tom Gorzelanny, Zach Duke, Mark Reynolds, Lyle Overbay

Arbitration-eligible players: Gerardo Parra, Brandon Kintzler, Martin Maldonado

2014 payroll: $103 million

What went right in 2014?

Milwaukee was one of the most surprising teams in baseball through the first five months of the season, sitting in first place in the National League Central for 143 days. 

Jonathan Lucroy posted another fantastic season and has emerged as one of the top offensive catchers in baseball. The 28-year-old hit .301/.373/.465 with 53 doubles, 13 home runs and 69 RBIs in 153 games, en route to his first All-Star appearance. 

The Brewers also received strong seasons from center fielder Carlos Gomez and third baseman Aramis Ramirez – whom will return next year after both sides accepted their respective options. 

Milwaukee enjoyed solid contributions from starters Wily Peralta (17-11, 3.53 ERA), Kyle Lohse (13-9, 3.54 ERA) and Yovani Gallardo (8-11, 3.51). The Brewers exercised Gallardo's $13-million option, ensuring the trio remains together for next season.  

Francisco Rodriguez re-established himself as an effective closer, posting 44 saves, 73 strikeouts and a 3.04 ERA in 68 innings. 

What went wrong in 2014?

If only the regular season ended in August.

Milwaukee's lead came crashing down in the final month as the team stumbled to a 9-17 record to finish the season, missing the playoffs for a third straight season. 

The offense all but dried up, scoring 77 runs over the final 29 games and hit for a .230 average. 

One of the main contributors for the team's offensive woes was the health of Ryan Braun, as the slugger battled a thumb injury that eventually required surgery. In his first year back from suspension, the former MVP hit .266/.324/.453 with 19 home runs and 81 RBIs in 135 games. However, he hit .210 with one home run in 23 games in September. 

In addition to Braun, Khris Davis also had a down year though the team is most likely more concerned with shortstop Jean Segura. The 24-year-old regressed significantly following a strong rookie season, hitting .246/.289/.326 with five home runs and 31 RBIs in 146 games, a year removed from slashing .294/.329/.423 with 12 home runs and 49 RBIs in as many games. 

Despite the collapse, general manager Doug Melvin and manager Ron Roenicke retained their jobs. 

Offseason Needs

While the Brewers faded out down the stretch, their roster is likely to remain virtually the same in 2015. 

The team pulled off a deal to address their need at first base by acquiring Adam Lind from the Toronto Blue Jays in exchange for pitcher Marco Estrada. 

Closer

On the heels of a strong season, K-Rod departed for free agency, leaving an opening at the back end of the bullpen. 

Top target:

• Casey Janssen: The former Blue Jays closer is coming off a dismal season after posting a 3.94 ERA in 50 appearances. However, the right-hander's full body of work with the Jays should be taken into consideration. Over the last three seasons, Janssen has earned 81 saves while crafting a 2.94 ERA and posting a 4.68 strikeout-to-walk ratio. After pitching in hitter-friendly Rogers Centre, a move to the NL could benefit the 33-year-old and could be a cheaper alternative for the Brewers. 

• Additional targets: Rodriguez, Sergio Romo 

Left-handed relief 

Zach Duke and Tom Gorzelanny both hit free agency, leaving the Brewers without a pair of valuable left-handers from their bullpen. Milwaukee is likely to try and re-sign one, if not both, but should they be unable to, there are a few other options. 

Top target: 

• Craig Breslow: Breslow stumbled in 2014 but has already made it known that he is highly motivated to put a disappointing year in Boston behind him after the Red Sox declined his $4-million option. The 34-year-old last pitched in the NL in 2012, making 40 appearances while fashioning a 2.70 ERA. 

• Additional targets: Duke, Gorzelanny, Neal Cotts

Impact Prospect

Tyrone Taylor: The Brewers system is devoid of top-level talent as they don't have anyone ranked within MLB.com's top 100 prospects.

Outfielder Tyrone Taylor, selected in the second round of the 2012 draft, currently projects as Milwaukee's top prospect as he has been praised for his athleticism and above-average speed. A former two-sport athlete, Taylor spent his first season focusing solely on baseball and the 20-year-old hit .278/.331/.396 with six home runs, 36 doubles and 68 RBIs in 130 games in Single-A.