Bae Ji-hwan Signs With Brewers, Records First Hit After Major League Call-Up

Utility player Ji-hwan Bae has signed a minor league contract with the Milwaukee Brewers, the National League's leading team, and was promptly called up to the major league roster. He marked his return to the majors by recording his first hit of the season in a game against the Minnesota Twins.

Bae, 27, was released by the New York Mets on June 5 after struggling to get playing time. He had previously debuted in the majors with the Pittsburgh Pirates in 2022 and played consistently until the end of the 2025 season. This season, he played in 97 games for Triple-A, batting .257 with 5 home runs, 32 RBIs, and 36 stolen bases.

Milwaukee's decision to call up Bae came after shortstop Cooper Pratt was placed on the 10-day injured list. Bae entered the game against the Twins in the seventh inning as a defensive replacement at second base. In his first at-bat, he successfully executed a surprise bunt against left-handed pitcher A.J. Minter, reaching base safely with his speed.

Bae's hit was his first of the season and his first since joining the Brewers. Teammates on the bench applauded his effort. Although he advanced to second base on a sacrifice bunt, he did not score. He later performed another sacrifice bunt in the ninth inning, but the team was unable to capitalize, sending the game into extra innings.

The Brewers ultimately won the game 4-3 in the 10th inning with a walk-off hit by Jake Bauers. Milwaukee maintains its status as the National League's top team with a season record of 74 wins and 44 losses. Bae finished his debut game with one hit in two plate appearances.