Brewers Sign Catcher Reese McGuire To Minor League Deal

[Ryan Pollak]

Image courtesy of © Ron Chenoy-Imagn Images

The Brewers add a veteran to their catching depth, signing former Blue Jay and Red Sox Reese McGuire to a minor league contract with an invitation to Spring Training and Major League camp, according to Adam McCalvy.

This comes after the Brewers have announced 15 non-roster invitees to spring training. Amongst those names are Ramon Rodriguez, Matt Wood, and Darrien Miller, who all play the catcher position.

The former 14^th overall pick in the 2013 MLB Draft has had stints with the Blue Jays, White Sox, and Red Sox before signing a minor league deal last season with the Cubs. McGuire played 44 games last season with a .226/.245/.444 line with nine home runs and 24 RBI. Both of which are career highs across his eight seasons in the league.

With only 38 men on the 40-man roster, and only two catchers occupying spots, McGuire has the opportunity to earn a spot on the Opening Day roster as the backup for two-time all-star and silver slugger winner, William Contreras. The only person who stands in his way is catcher prospect Jeferson Quero.

McGuire has played more of a platoon role with his previous teams, with the likes of Carson Kelly last season, Connor Wong, and even former Brewers catcher Danny Jansen. He has more success against a right-handed pitcher, so he would likely be used in those situations.

He would provide a solid competition for Quero, who has had a history of injuries that have stunted his growth to the major league roster and has even been removed from MLB Pipeline’s top 100 prospects.

If McGuire earns a spot, they can still option Quero back down to Nashville. While it may use his third minor league option, Quero does qualify for a fourth option should they go with McGuire.

View full article

[nathanj42]

Given that Contreras plays so often, not sure if Quero on the MLB roster for the entire 2026 season would be ideal for his development. I think Quero it'd be better if he spent 60% of his time starting in Nashville, and 40% being a MLB back-up in part of the schedule when the Brewers have fewer off days, allowing Quero to spell Contreras. Do we know if McGuire can be optioned to AAA if he is on the MLB roster?

[Ryan Pollak]

4 hours ago, nathanj42 said:

Given that Contreras plays so often, not sure if Quero on the MLB roster for the entire 2026 season would be ideal for his development. I think Quero it'd be better if he spent 60% of his time starting in Nashville, and 40% being a MLB back-up in part of the schedule when the Brewers have fewer off days, allowing Quero to spell Contreras. Do we know if McGuire can be optioned to AAA if he is on the MLB roster?

Great Question!

If McGuire were to be added onto the 40 Man Roster, he would have no minor league options left. He would be subject to revocable waivers and designated for assignment should we try to send him down.

[PBTank]

How does one qualify for a fourth option?

[eddiemathews]

McGuire will be on the roster this year, and unless Quero shows that his arm has substantially returned to pre-injury form McGuire will likely be the back-up catcher all season. Leaving him off the 40 man gives the Brewers room to maneuver should they want to add another starting pitcher. My guess is that McGuire has a handshake agreement that he will be elevated to the 40 man this spring unless he really underperforms. His biggest risk is injury this spring, in which case the Brewers come out none the worse. 

[Ro Mueller]

9 hours ago, PBTank said:

How does one qualify for a fourth option?

If you're on the MLB 40-man roster and injured for most of a season, you'll usuàlly get an extra option year.

[wallus]

Are we keeping his nickname of Carjack?