If there’s one thing we’ve learned about the Brewers in the Matt Arnold era, it’s that they don’t believe in a traditional pitching staff. They don’t want “starters” and “relievers”—they want “out-getters.” They want a “run prevention unit.”
As camp opens at American Family Fields, the roster feels more like a work in progress than a settled rotation. The depth is there, sure, but it’s a mix of unproven arms and high-octane potential. For manager Pat Murphy, the next six weeks aren’t just about a schedule—they’re about figuring out who’s actually going to take the ball when the lights come on and who’s got the guts for the high-leverage “outs” that defined the team’s 2025 success.
Spring training is about finding answers. There are plenty of interchangeable parts here, and it’s up to Murphy and his staff to find the right combo on a tight budget. Again.
The Rotation: A New Ace and a “Pitch-a-Lot Guy”
The departure of Freddy Peralta to the Mets left a massive hole at the top of the rotation. The Brewers are banking heavily on veteran Brandon Woodruff to reclaim his throne after he accepted that $22.025 million qualifying offer. Let’s be real: he’s the only guy on the current roster who’s ever logged a 25-start season in the big leagues.
Behind him, the competition is fierce. That trade with Boston on Feb. 9 brought in Kyle Harrison, a 24-year-old lefty Arnold describes as an “exciting young arm.” He’ll battle alongside Quinn Priester and Chad Patrick, both of whom proved they belong during the 2025 stretch run.
Then there’s the “Miz” factor. Jacob Misiorowski, the 2025 All-Star and postseason hero, is back with a new job title. Murphy recently dubbed him a “pitch-a-lot guy,” suggesting a role that bridges the gap between a traditional starter and a late-inning weapon.
The Bullpen: A Southpaw Surplus
If you like left-handed pitching, you’re gonna love the 2026 Brewers, at least how they are constituted in mid February. Following the trade for Angel Zerpa, the projected bullpen’s got an unusual imbalance: five lefties and only three righties.
With Trevor Megill the subject of constant trade rumors as his arbitration costs climb, the closer’s door is wide open for Abner Uribe. Uribe took over the role late in 2025 and was solid in the NLDS. He’s the guy until someone says otherwise.
The battle for the middle innings will feature:
- The “Swiss Army Knives”: Aaron Ashby and DL Hall are both getting built up as starters in camp, but they could easily slide into high-leverage relief.
- The Specialists: Jared Koenig and Angel Zerpa offer unique arm slots that can extend beyond just three outs.
- The Odd Men Out: Since Robert Gasser, Logan Henderson, have minor league options, the Brewers have the luxury of “shuttling” arms to Triple-A Nashville when things get crowded.
Names to Watch
Keep an eye on Shane Drohan, the second lefty acquired in the Red Sox deal. While he’s a rotation candidate, his strikeout numbers could make him a dark horse for a relief spot if the rotation stays packed.
“Milwaukee officials believe that run prevention will remain a strength,” according to MLB.com. “It starts with a healthy Brandon Woodruff... after that, the Brewers have a long list of promising but unproven starters.”
Next in the Series: We’re moving to the dirt. We’ll look at the 2026 infield, where David Hamilton and the “next man up” philosophy will be tested following the Caleb Durbin trade.
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