SAN DIEGO -- This week at the Winter Meetings, the Cardinals agreed to terms with star catcher Willson Contreras and the Cubs added both a former MVP Award winner who’s fallen on hard times in Cody Bellinger and a notable free agent pitcher in Jameson Taillon. Even the Pirates added multiple free agent pitchers, while landing the top pick in next year’s Draft.

The Brewers did not find their way into the transaction ledger, Rule 5 Draft notwithstanding. Their offseason so far has been marked more by subtractions -- notably the Hunter Renfroe and Kolten Wong trades -- than additions. But throughout this week, GM Matt Arnold repeated two things:

1. They plan to build a 2023 playoff team.

2. Opening Day is four months away.

“We did do some stuff where we got players back in those deals,” Arnold said on his final night in San Diego. “[Abraham] Toro and [Jesse] Winker [for Wong] and three arms for Renfroe that are all very viable options for us in the Major Leagues this year. We did get pieces back there that we like. But we’re not done.”  

Fangraphs’ current salary estimates give the Brewers about $21 million to add if they match their franchise-record $137 million payroll at the end of last season. Whether they fall above or below that figure depends on which talks turn into trades or signings, Arnold said, while stressing, “We have incredible support from our ownership to access those players. Whatever that number ends up being, I know that Mark [Attanasio] will give us the ability to access the type of player we’re looking at that will help us in 2023.”

• GM: Brewers 'looking to build around' star trio

These Winter Meetings were marked by eye-popping agreements for top free agents like Aaron Judge, Trea Turner and Justin Verlander. The Brewers so far this winter have signed one free agent to a Major League contract, outfielder Blake Perkins, who has yet to make it to the big leagues.

“In our market, we've realized this is how we're going to have to operate,” manager Craig Counsell said. “I don't always find it frustrating. I think it's the world we're in. I'm good with it, and we're good with it.

“What it means is that our offseason doesn't look like this other team's offseason. And that's OK. But I think we've shown, and everybody in our organization has shown, we can still find a way to put a really good team out on the field.”

BIGGEST REMAINING NEEDS
1. Bullpen: Devin Williams is the only player on the roster with closing experience. It seems likely the Brewers will add some experience.

2. Catcher: Contreras’ five-year agreement with the Cardinals should precipitate more catchers to move.

“As you guys know, we’re hoping to continue to improve at the catching spot," Arnold said. "I do think there’s been real movement in that market.”

RULE 5 DRAFT 
The Brewers picked 26-year-old right-hander Gus Varland from the Dodgers and will give him a shot to win a bullpen job. The older brother of Twins left-hander Louie Varland, Gus spent each of the past two seasons at the Dodgers’ Double-A affiliate with a 5.98 ERA, though he performed better and threw harder following a midseason move from the starting rotation to the 'pen in 2022, with a fastball sitting comfortably at 96-98 mph.

• 2022 Rule 5 Draft results: Pick-by-pick

“You’re always looking for something a player is doing a little differently,” said Brewers special assistant Bryan Gale. “This was a guy we always had interest in as a starter, and around mid-May he goes to the bullpen and simplifies his mix a little bit and just got a lot better. He started throwing harder. It’s something that really excites us in terms of the direction he’s going. He’ll get a chance to come into camp and compete with our relievers.”

The Brewers also picked switch-hitting middle infielder Isaac Collins from the Rockies in the Minor League phase and are intrigued by what he can do batting right-handed. Milwaukee didn’t lose any players in either the Major or Minor League phases of the Rule 5 Draft.

GM'S BOTTOM LINE 
“The markets all move at different paces. We’ve been active in deals in Spring Training that have made our team better. I’m excited about the opportunity to continue to make our team better. That’s what our aim is. If it happens this week, great. If it happens right before Opening Day, that’s just as good, too." -- Arnold