Where Are the Holes in the Brewers’ Roster Entering the Offseason?

[Steve Drumwright]

Unlike many teams coming off a World Series championship, the Milwaukee Brewers are in a pretty good position heading into the offseason.

And that is even considering they are losing a few key free agents.

This team is built for sustainability, as evidenced by four straight NL Central titles, and that has now paid off in a World Series title. That includes having one of the top farm systems in baseball, which helps keep talent coming and allows the Crew to trade away star players before their contracts are up.

Here is a look at where the Brewers’ roster stands going into the offseason, where they are strong and where they need to focus on strengthening.

Catcher

Who’s here: William Contreras, Bo Naylor, Jeferson Quero

Position status: Strong

Wild Bill has logged three straight seasons of 1,000 innings behind the plate, quite an accomplishment in itself, but then has been solid to good offensively during that stretch. Contreras posted a .270/.341/.417 slash line with 18 homers and a career-best 94 RBIs, while being one of the top defensive catchers in MLB and guiding a young starting staff to the best record in baseball, not to mention what he did in the postseason. Barring a stunning trade of Contreras, who is entering his final season of club control, the only question at this position is who will be his backup. Naylor was acquired at the trade deadline from the Cleveland Guardians, but provides little offensively. Due to injury, Quero mainly was the designated hitter at Triple-A following his brief call-up and doesn’t feel ready defensively. Could that lead to Gary Sanchez coming back on a cheap deal?

First Base

Who’s here: Andrew Vaughn

Position status: Questionable.

There is a very real chance that neither Vaughn nor Jake Bauers is back. Bauers, of course, is a free agent in line for a nice contract, two years after the Brewers cut him and he nearly retired. Vaughn is projected to earn $8.5 million in his final year of arbitration. Considering Vaughn’s lack of power this season (six homers), that might be too steep a price for the Crew to keep him, although he did have a .306/.390/.444 slash line. Vaughn started just twice in the postseason, then came in late as a pinch-hitter on a handful of other occasions. The Brewers could bring Vaughn back on a cheaper contract if they can’t work something out with Bauers. No, power-hitting prospect Andrew Fischer is not ready to jump to MLB yet, so a stopgap would be needed if neither Vaughn nor Bauers returns.

Second Base

Who’s here: Brice Turang

Position status: Strong.

The left-handed hitter continued to elevate his offensive game, driving in 100 runs for the first time in his four-year career, while also smashing 21 homers, also a career best after hitting 18 a year ago to go along with 81 RBIs. He was again a tremendous defender, up for a second Gold Glove. He also stole 19 bases and had a 7.3 bWAR. Rarely needs a day off, with his 151 games this year the fewest of his last three seasons.

Third Base

Who’s here: Joey Ortiz, David Hamilton, Jesus Made

Position status: Questionable.

There is no question that Ortiz and Hamilton can handle the hot corner defensively. It is on offense where the questions arise. Ortiz became a much better offensive contributor once he was moved off of shortstop and finished the season with a very league-average .270/.328/.402 slash line. Hamilton, meanwhile, was at .245/.314/.336 for his slash line but stole 30 bases. One thing to consider here: Made, the top prospect in all of baseball, could be on the Opening Day roster. While that wouldn’t necessarily change the position's level at the start of the season, Made would bring huge offensive upside. But the Brewers might also want Made to get his feet wet at Triple-A before bringing him up.

Shortstop

Who’s here: Cooper Pratt, Jett Williams

Position status: Strong.

Pratt was always a defense-first shortstop from the time he was drafted in the sixth round in 2023. That was borne out by his slash line of .257/.354/.380 in three-plus minor-league seasons. But he was a nice surprise with the bat during his rookie season, putting up a .281/.350/.368 mark with three homers, 34 RBIs and 19 stolen bases in 74 regular-season games. He added to that with his postseason performance, posting a 1.139 OPS over the Brewers' championship run. Ortiz, Hamilton and Made can also move over to short when needed. Another option is Williams, the better of the two prospects (Brandon Sproat) that the Brewers acquired from the New York Mets for Freddy Peralta. He slashed just .233/.340/.384 at Triple-A Nashville in 81 games, which got him another stint in the Arizona Fall League. Williams is also in play at third base and the outfield.

Left Field

Who’s here: Jackson Chourio, Akil Baddoo

Position status: Strong.

Chourio displayed superstar potential during the postseason after posting a 20-homer, 20-stolen base season in each of his three MLB seasons. He had his best offensive season (.291/.351/.487, 25 HRs, 75 RBIs, 129 OPS+) while missing the first month of the season with a wrist injury. He will turn 23 in March, so the ceiling on his production still hasn’t been seen. Combine that with Chourio not committing an error this season and up for a Gold Glove and the total package is there. I wouldn’t expect Baddoo to be on the roster much longer.

Center Field

Who’s here: Garrett Mitchell, Brandon Lockridge

Position status: Very good.

Mitchell stayed healthy this season for the first time since he was taken in the first round of the 2020 draft. While at times disruptive, he showed there is still more to develop in his game. He had a .262/.354/.416 slash line with 11 homers and 65 RBIs in 145 games, more than he played in his previous four MLB seasons. He should be a 20-20 performer like Chourio. That can come with better plate discipline. He struck out 31.5% of the time this year, way above the MLB average of 22.4%. He also didn’t run as much during the regular season, perhaps part of the plan to keep him healthy. Lockridge had a lost season due to the gruesome gash in his knee while making a catch. He is a fine backup who can play any of the three spots and brings a speed component. Williams can also play center.

Right Field

Who’s here: Sal Frelick, Luis Lara

Position status: Very good.

This position could be considered strong if Frelick and Lara had produced more offensively. Frelick was hampered by shoulder and knee injuries, with the shoulder needing offseason surgery. He struggled to a .230/.295/.319 slash line in 111 games. Lara found himself offensively at Triple-A Nashville this year and earned a long-term contract and MLB promotion. That part has yet to surface at the MLB level (.246/.311/.325 in 61 games), but his defense was highlight-worthy. Lara can also play center, as can Frelick, adding to the versatility of this outfield.

Designated Hitter

Who’s here: Christian Yelich, Tyler Black

Position status: OK.

That is not a slight on Yelich the person or the newly christened captain, but on the hitter he has become (derogatory). No, we aren’t expecting the NL MVP numbers of 2018 or runner-up of 2019, but Yelich put up the worst offensive season of his career with a .235/.315/.378 with 12 homers and 59 RBIs. He had a 91 OPS+ and 0.1 bWAR. Not good for a position where your only job is to hit the ball. Considering Yelich’s production in the last few years, you have to chalk it up as a blip on the radar and hope he comes back strong in 2027. He can still make a token outfield appearance, but is better served as the daily DH. Black will continue to have a hard time finding a spot on this roster.

Starting Rotation

Who’s here: Jacob Misiorowski, Logan Henderson, Robert Gasser, Kyle Harrison, Shane Drohan, Quinn Priester, Brandon Sproat, Coleman Crow, Colton Joseph

Position status: Strong

How can you say anything but strong after what this group did in 2026—and mostly as rookies? Injuries and potential trades will sort out how this group lines up in 2027, with Priester being added to the mix after missing all of this year due to right thoracic outlet syndrome. Misiorowski blossoming into the ace and probable NL Cy Young Award winner is one of the developments that put the Brewers over the top this season. The all-around leaps he made were surprising, given how he finished 2025. The biggest project for next season will be figuring out what made Sproat struggle so much. Harrison seemed to get straight in a relief role at the end of the regular season, but wasn’t used in the postseason at all. If you ask the Brandon Woodruff question, the guess here is that he will retire and join the Brewers in some sort of coaching role. Of course, a concern will be the innings that these arms logged following the World Series run. There could be some early-season caution.

Bullpen

Who’s here: Trevor Megill, Abner Uribe, Aaron Ashby, DL Hall, Chad Patrick, Jared Koenig, Garrett Stallings, Bryse Wilson, Angel Zerpa, Brian Fitzpatrick

Position status: Strong.

This group will be bolstered by an arm or two from whoever does make the rotation. There could be some movement here, too, as Megill is entering his final year of club control and will be coveted by other teams. Ashby had an otherworldly postseason, which will also make him popular on the trade market as some teams could commit to him as a starter. Patrick and Koenig will need to bounce back. Zerpa, following Tommy John surgery in May, might not pitch at all in 2027, late season at best. There will also be a free agent or two brought in. As with the starters, the postseason innings could affect performance in 2027.

The Bottom Line

Not many world champions return as intact as what the Brewers could potentially bring back in 2027. Plus, with a couple of key prospects in Made and Williams waiting in the wings, there are internal upgrades waiting. The biggest question will be at first base, where the Brewers might be able to attract a free-agent bat for a season as Fischer gets more seasoning in the minors. There will be surprise moves as not everyone will or wants to come back, pursuing greener pastures (cha-ching!) elsewhere. Trades could also be a big factor in this abbreviated offseason.

Image courtesy of USA TODAY Network via Reuters Connect

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[82brewcrew82]

Obviously first base will be the big question.  Assuming they have zero faith in guy like luke Adams, they will need to find someone to replace Bauers whose approach at the plate really drove a lot of what the Brewers did.  Gonna be hard to replace him.  I'd love to see a big bat added.  I think they live with third as it is and give Made some time at AAA but I don't believe they make an addition.  Other than that, I would love to see some veteren arms added to the bullpen and rotation.  A Miley/Quintana type add to the rotation and whom ever they can dig up in the pen.  They will have Hardin and Crow in the minors for depth and I really like Cameron Wagoner too.  I think if they make a few smart adds (and one big one at first) they are going to be just fine and, potentially, even better.

[long ball]

3 positions of note I’d like to comment on. 

catcher: a reunion with Gary Sanchez makes a lot of sense to me. Quero very well end up with a 4th option granted due to losing practically a full option year to injury. Sanchez is good enough against lefties to fake it as a quasi short side of a platoon at DH to complement Yelich. I think he’s solid enough in a game management role and defensively to bring back as a veteran backup. 
 

first base: a QO to Bauers makes sense at this point. He was one of the best hitters in baseball this year and hit well against lefties and righties. If he accepts the QO, you’re ok with bringing him back. I love what he did this season and it seems like he was an integral member of the clubhouse, but he’s a 30+ late career breakout with bad defense. I’m not interested in a free agent deal longer than 2 seasons. Andrew Vaughn is an interesting case, theoretically his power could return a year off the hamate surgery. If they think he bounces back power wise and could be playable against righties, bring him back. If they’re doubting either, he’s worth tendering a contract to, but probably trade fodder (not expecting a huge return, similar to the Adam lind trade- a couple lottery ticket prospects). Now Adams, Burke, and/or Fischer could play a role at some point in 2027, but you aren’t likely to just hand over the job to any of them. Adams as a short side of a platoon is probably the most feasible opening day option. If the Brewers don’t bring back Bauers and decide to move off of Vaughn… the only free agent worth monitoring to me is Ty France. He doesn’t need to be platooned, has a bit better track record than Bauers, and would be a nice improvement defensively. However, im not sure he comes any cheaper than Bauers. 
 

third base: I’d just run it back with Ortiz/Hamilton. If Made signs an extension this offseason maybe you can look to trade Ortiz or Hamilton, but if he doesn’t… he’s probably a mid season call up. 

[Snoebird]

This wasn't a good time to mistake Colton Gordon for a Badger QB. 

[GAME05]

Catcher: Even if the team decides to bring Contreras back, it feels super unlikely they'd extend him. I've written Quero off and hope I'm wrong, and Dinges is a ways yet and may not be starter-level. There's a need to look down the road and probably pick up a starter or near-starter because Naylor probably won't cut it.

CF: Am I wrong in assuming Lara starts in CF next year? I don't see how his offense is suited for a corner position.

RF: I gotta think the Brewers will be looking for a bump in SLG out of the RF position next year. I don't know if a light-hitting .270 hitter in Frelick really cuts it and I see him and Mitchell being fairly redundant players. We seemed to have cornered the market on scrappy center fielders. Extra need for a little more juice here if Bauers leaves. Or maybe you just have to roll with it while waiting for Adamz/Payne to be ready?

1b: I agree Fisher needs another full year to cut down on his whiff rate, but is Adams or Burke ready? Maybe Burke is a good platoon partner with Vaughn or Adams gets some time partly just to see if his 3b defense is even playable at the ML level.

SP: Can't do the up/down stuff with guys like Crow forever and I think we have a big need for a solid #3 guy, basically May, to anchor the rotation against youthful workload and the possibility 2nd-half-Harrison returns.

 

Overall I think RF and SP are our biggest need, and without any real name prospects waiting to take over.

[ecjimg]

Trade Ashby?For what? A pitcher better than Ashby? A 1b? Come on.

[Jim French Stepstool]

I'm still somewhat intrigued by Adams (as a 1B, not at 3B). He's flashed power, and the K-BB ratio and OBP is something you notice, even without the ridiculous propensity to get plunked. I just wish he'd have been able to stay on the field more in '26. I imagine only 67 AAA games in his career makes him a longshot in '27 so it'll be interesting to see how the organization juggles him, Burke & Fischer.

[wntrtxn21]

I think it's very likely they extend Contreras considering how much Mark A and Murphy love the guy and what he brings to the team. I'd be fine with bringing Sanchez back as the reserve C.  Naylor is an option. 

I don't think they keep Bauers. Certainly not with the QO. Vaughn is probably gone too given how little he played in the playoffs. Maybe bring in a guy like Goldschmidt (.252/18 HRs/111 OPS/ 345 ABs....signed for only $4M last year with the Yankees) and he could mentor one of the younger 1B for a year. 

Made to AAA and is groomed for Turang's replacement in 2028 when Turang is traded for a nice haul. A call up in case of a long term injury. 

Mitchell stays in CF and a healthy Frelick in RF barring a trade or FA signing. I don't think much of Lara's offensive potential so I'd use a combination of Lara/Quero/Ortiz/Williams in a trade for a 3B. 

They need a good, dependable 3/4 starter with team control. I don't like May (especially for the price) so a trade seems likely. Sproat/Drohan/Hardin/Crow/Patrick could be used in the deal.  Harrison and Priester are possible options for the #5 spot with Woodruff a long shot. 

Keep the main part of the pen intact. Megill/Ashby/Hall/Uribe and Romero for the right price. 

[BrewCrew8675309]

1B is a real concern since they did not use Vaughn as much as they could have. Judging by usage, 8.5mil seems like a lot. Maybe he returns on a cheaper deal but why would he now that he is fixed of whatever the ChiSox did to him. Luke Adams could platoon or be on the roster as a 3B, 1B backup. Tyler Black should have progressed to the point where we are seriously talking about him but we are not. Bauers is gone as I think he takes a multi-year deal over a 1 year 23mil QO. Burke and Fischer are a not deemed ready for opening day. Maybe a cheap FA, but it is not a great year for that. 1B is the issue. 

C is for Contreras at catcher. If he takes a hometown discount at 4/90mil then awesome but I doubt it. Keep him (and Megill) and enjoy the good will/merch sales from the '26 playoff run. Bo and Quero will fight for backing up rights and Sanchez can be a stop gap filler. I think the real interesting question will be with the 40 man and what to do with 2 AA catchers with promise. Darrien Miller and Matt Wood will be picked up if not on the 40...trade bait? Saved for a future role? We don't know what Matt Arnold et al thinks of these guys but they will not be overlooked on the Rule 5 draft. Yes, I know I am higher on the two lefty bats than you are. 

Make Ashby a starter...he deserves a shot and Woo on incentives, Kyle Harrison rebound, or QP after thoracic surgery are not promised. 

Let Wagoner vie for a spot in the pen.

Trade Ortiz for pen help...he is a sell high right now. Fitz and Zerpa won't be ready in time and Koenig has fallen off as that happens to pen guys. Jett could be a utility guy for a lot of positions and he can pitch run when needed. 

Prospects aplenty coming to a AmFam near you that means trades and this wonderful 2026 roster will be shifting quickly. 

Ought to be fun.

 

[Turning2]

It astonishes me how little people regard Blake Burke. He constantly gets overlooked. Everyone is enamored with Fischer’s power to the point of whistling past the graveyard regarding his K rate. Burke is the much better option with his combination of hitting for power and respectable average, and ability to steal bases.  For that matter, Luke Adams is even more the forgotten man. Groom Fischer to replace Yelli at DH. 

[cragi]

What's amazing is that every year the brewers have to dump one of the biggest stars, which leaves a big hole and try to reload. Its just what they do. 

Corbin Burnes, Devin Williams, Josh Hader, Willy Adames, Freddy Peralta.. this is maybe the first year they dont really miss much. Bauers was very helpful but was one of many good pieces and we have a number of guys right behind that are looking very good. 

[sveumrules]

2 hours ago, Turning2 said:

It astonishes me how little people regard Blake Burke. He constantly gets overlooked. Everyone is enamored with Fischer’s power to the point of whistling past the graveyard regarding his K rate.

In the last BF Top 20 Fischer and Burke came in at #5 and #6, so they are pretty evenly considered (at least among voters in the prospect poll).

Those are generally higher rankings with smaller gaps than there are between their current placements at MLB (Fischer #5, Burke #12) or at FanGraphs (Burke #9, Fischer #13) for whatever that is or isn't worth.

Obviously a small-ish sample of only 137 PA, but after getting promoted to Nashville Burke's K rate soared from 23.7% in Biloxi up to a Fischer-esque 32.1% while his wRC+ crashed from 144 down to 73.

[gregmag]

I think they have viable solutions in house for every potential roster hole. The problems are just some holes in what we know, which may or may not also be holes in what the organization knows:

Catcher: How do Quero’s shoulder and Naylor’s bat look once spring training finally starts? I assume Contreras will be back for a final season.

First base: do you give Bauers the QO? I don’t see why not. He’ll probably get a multi-year offer somewhere; if he takes the QO, the Brewers can deal for a year financially, and he’s probably worth it. Does Vaughn’s power return a year out from the hamate injury? If so, he’s a perfectly credible regular. If Bauers takes the QO, then just trade Vaughn. Then you’ve got three guys in Adams, Burke, and Fischer, who are very strong prospects with upper minors experience already. When is one or more of them ready?

Third base: Ortiz and Hamilton make a perfectly fine platoon. (BTW, I think it’s much more likely that Ortiz plays significant innings at shortstop for the Brewers in 2027 than Williams.) Made is a question of when rather than if.

Outfield: For the Brewers more than other teams, you can look at the outfield holistically, because most of these guys can move around. I think this is actually where the roster may be softest. The only fully trustworthy regular is Chourio. Can Mitchell stay healthy and effective? Can Frelick return to health and effectiveness? Will Lara hit enough yet to play regularly? Are you comfortable with Lockridge as your next depth option? This is where I think Williams might find a place if they think he’s ready to help.

DH: Does Yelich collapse? If so, you’ve got plenty of guys who could stand to be rotated through this spot.

Pitching: We should be just fine barring bad health news. Biggest questions in the rotation are whether they can get Harrison back to mid-rotation form and if/ how soon Priester can come back strong. Also, is Hardin ready to contribute?Then it’s just a question of which of the depth guys develops fastest. In the bullpen, the big question is whether they trade Megill and bump Uribe rebate up to closer. Wagoner appears ready to contribute.

[GAME05]

17 hours ago, ecjimg said:

Trade Ashby?For what? A pitcher better than Ashby? A 1b? Come on.

Why not? A ++ player and ++ contract, and maybe a League-wide push to copy the Mil/TB style means teams might pay a boatload for him. At least worth a look. Plus the Brewers have 3-4 guys capable of taking his role.

[Turning2]

3 hours ago, sveumrules said:

In the last BF Top 20 Fischer and Burke came in at #5 and #6, so they are pretty evenly considered (at least among voters in the prospect poll).

Those are generally higher rankings with smaller gaps than there are between their current placements at MLB (Fischer #5, Burke #12) or at FanGraphs (Burke #9, Fischer #13) for whatever that is or isn't worth.

Obviously a small-ish sample of only 137 PA, but after getting promoted to Nashville Burke's K rate soared from 23.7% in Biloxi up to a Fischer-esque 32.1% while his wRC+ crashed from 144 down to 73.

He struggled initially, then started finding his footing from what I could tell. The numbers might indicate otherwise, but I think he is trending in the right direction at the higher level. They should be a fun pair of power bats in a couple years,. 

[GAME05]

Can any of them play 3b at all? Or are we looking at a platoon at 1b and holding one back until the DH opens up? If I recall two were only graded a 45 on defense, but I'd guess that's only at 1b.

I'd otherwise been thinking we might have to trade a prospect or two if only for having too many, which is just crazy to say.

[biedergb]

C - I think Sanchez is 50/50, and the team may go in seeingwhat Naylor may do, or more likely they could try to trade for a catcher. I agree the team brings back Contreras and lets him walk next year, similar to Adames. He is more valuable to the club on the team next year than what we get in a trade.
1B -  will possibly be Vaughn. His trade value is low, and didn't he have a hamate injury? That would have sapped some power, right?  Then we have the Blake Burke, Luke Adams discussion, or do we force Tyler Black back into the discussion (I assume Black could be traded).
On a side note - does a QO to Bauers make sense - will that impact his potential suitors?
2B and SS are set
3B is keeping the seat warm for Fischer or Made.  I can see Ortiz/Hamilton-like platoon. Why "like" because we know that it is possible one or both could be traded as this is what the org does.
OF - it's a solid 4-5 with Chourio, Mitchell, Frelick, Lara and likely Lockridge (or Baddoo), as Adamczewski and Payne are likely a year or more away.
DH - It is Yelich.
Pitching will be so hard to judge as injuries happen.  Could Colton Gordon or Brandon Sproat be our next Tobias Myers or Chad Patrick?
We have Miz and if healthy he gets his rookie running mates in Gasser and Henderson.  Who knows what to expect from Harrison or Priester if anything. Coleman Crow and Hardin are likely pitching in the bigs next year (whether a regular spot or just a spot start)
And if they re-sign a FA, I see Romero as the most likely since the team has really tried hard to get a bunch of LHP relievers, and Ashby, Hall and Romero give them that trio, with Zerpa and Fitz on the mend. I would love to see what Wagoner or a Holub or Childers could look like next season as rookie RP. And deeper down the team has Jose Meneses and Josh Quezada.

[Branyanisthegoat]

Thankfully there isnt any glaring holes, but OF/bench is a bit LH heavy especially if Naylor is taking Sanchez' spot. If someone comes along with a fair offer on Mitchell or Sal, think they gotta listen.