With a focus on defense, Brewers manager Ned Yost indicated in March that Gwynn and Gabe Kapler might have a leg up on Gabe Gross for an outfield position; this became true when Gross was traded to the Tampa Bay Rays on April 22, 2008. Gwynn was optioned to the Nashville Sounds of the Triple-A Pacific Coast League on May 25, 2008, but recalled after rosters expanded on September 1. In 3 years with the Brewers, Gwynn hit .248 in 130 games.