Here’s how the Milwaukee Brewers roster shakes out for opening day 2026, which was finalized March 25 on the eve of the season opener.
For such a young team, the Brewers surprisingly only have three players on their first opening day rosters: Jacob Misiorowski, Brandon Sproat and Grant Anderson. Misiorowski and Sproat will both be starting games on the mound in the first series against the Chicago White Sox.
Catcher
William Contreras, Gary Sánchez
The same backstop combination the Brewers had in 2024 will open the year for them again.
First base
Jake Bauers, Andrew Vaughn
It’s not a strict platoon at first, where Vaughn will get most of the playing time to begin the year. But Bauers was the hottest hitter in baseball this spring, mashing seven homers, so the Brewers will certainly look for at-bats for him.
Second base
Brice Turang
Does the 2024 Platinum Glover have another leap in him offensively? He’s coming off a breakout 2025 in which he hit .288 with 18 homers, and has shown even more power this spring.
Shortstop
Joey Ortiz
Coming off a tough year in which he hit .230 with a .593 OPS, Ortiz will once again receive the lion’s share of playing time to start, with manager Pat Murphy saying earlier this week that David Hamilton will also receive opportunities.
Third base
David Hamilton, Luis Rengifo
Both off-season acquisitions by the Brewers; expect Rengifo to get the majority of playing time to begin the season. Hamilton will also see time here, likely when Milwaukee is facing left-handed pitching.
Outfielders
Jackson Chourio, Sal Frelick, Brandon Lockridge, Garrett Mitchell, Christian Yelich
Lockridge was the only opening day roster “surprise” of camp after tearing the cover off the ball to earn the final spot ahead of Blake Perkins as a fourth outfielder. Murphy has said he envisions a timeshare with Mitchell (vs. right-handers) and Lockridge (vs. left-handers) in center. Yelich will spend most of his time as designated hitter.
Starting pitchers
Jacob Misiorowski, Chad Patrick, Brandon Sproat, Kyle Harrison, Brandon Woodruff
It’s the second least-experienced opening day rotation in the majors, behind only Cleveland. Misiorowski gets the ball on opening day, and the Brewers’ next three starters all have fewer than two years of service time, as well.
Relief pitchers
Aaron Ashby, Grant Anderson, DL Hall, Jared Koenig, Trevor Megill, Abner Uribe, Jake Woodford, Angel Zerpa
The bullpen is expected to once again be one of the Brewers’ strengths. Trevor Megill figures to get most closing opportunities, but Abner Uribe as a second option isn’t bad, either, and even Zerpa could get a shot every now and again.
Injured list
Outfielders Akil Baddoo and Steward Berroa, right-handers Quinn Priester and Craig Yoho, left-hander Rob Zastryzny.
This article originally appeared on Milwaukee Journal Sentinel: A look at the Milwaukee Brewers 2026 opening day roster
Reporting by Curt Hogg, Milwaukee Journal Sentinel / Milwaukee Journal Sentinel
USA TODAY Network via Reuters Connect
