Adam McCalvy of MLB.com reports that Norichika Aoki can become a free agent after the 2014 season. The Brewers signed Aoki to a two-year, $2.25 million deal with a $1.5 million club option for 2014 prior to the 2012 season, but the assumption had been that he would remain under team control as an arbitration-eligible player 2015-17. However, McCalvy was told otherwise by both Aoki's agent, Nez Balelo and Brewers assistant general manager Gord Ash. With the Brewers out of contention, this could push the club to see what they could get in return for him leading up to the July 31 non-waiver trade deadline.