The Brewers' Pat Murphy is taking a tough stance on whether Willy Adames will return next season

The Milwaukee Brewers' biggest offseason story started early when manager Pat Murphy commented on shortstop Willy Adames' offseason.

With most of the Major League regular season coming to an end on Sunday afternoon, rumors of free agency are already swirling. After a 5-0 loss to the New York Mets, Murphy began adding fuel to the fire regarding impending free agent Adames' future with the club.

“There's a good chance this is his last regular season game in a Brewer jersey, and everyone knows that,” Murphy told reporters as he replaced Adames in the seventh inning Sunday afternoon. “I wanted him to feel that, to feel the appreciation, and I wanted the fans to have the chance to do that.”

Adames hit .251 with 65 extra-base hits, including 32 home runs, 112 RBIs and an OPS of .793 (118 OPS+) in 161 games this season.

While unfortunate, Murphy's comments are probably true. The 29-year-old has had one of his best seasons to date and as a result, he's in line for a huge payday – one the Brewers have been reluctant to pay in the past.

Regardless, the captain's gesture should not be forgotten. Adames quickly became a fan favorite in Milwaukee, earning an ovation he received in the seventh inning.

While that may be a reality, it's still disheartening to hear that Murphy himself isn't confident that the Brewers can retain one of baseball's best center fielders.

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