Brewers outfield depth chart heading into 2022
Left field
1. Christian Yelich
2. Tyrone Taylor
3. Hunter Renfroe
4. Jace Peterson
Depth: Corey Ray, David Dahl, Jonathan Davis, Abraham Almonte, Garrett Whitley
Former NL MVP-winner Christian Yelich will once again be the everyday left fielder for the Brewers. While 2021 was a well-documented down season for the slugger, there is hope that Yelich will enter 2022 healed from the nagging back injuries he played through last season.
Tyrone Taylor is set to function as an oft-used fourth outfielder in 2022 and should see significant playing time at all three spots in the grass as well as designated hitter if the National League ends up having one (which seems increasingly likely). Hunter Renfroe, acquired in the JBJ trade with Boston, can play left field as well as right and (to an extent) center. Jace Peterson is the club’s super-utility option and can play left field as needed.
The minor league depth for Milwaukee is impressive. Prospect Corey Ray is still waiting in the minors for his opportunity. Then there is a long list of MiLB signings that will compete for at-bats in left including former All-Star David Dahl and former MLB players Jonathan Davis and Abraham Almonte as well as intriguing former Rays prospect Garrett Whitley.
Center field
1. Lorenzo Cain
2. Tyrone Taylor
3. Hunter Renfroe
4. Jace Peterson
Depth: Corey Ray, Jonathan Davis, Garrett Whitley
35-year old Lorenzo Cain is going to be the Milwaukee Brewers’ primary option in center field once again in 2022. Cain battled through injuries last season and ultimately ended up appearing in just78 games for the Crew. He is still a human highlight-reel in center and will be one of the Brewers’ most valuable players in the upcoming campaign if he can stay healthy.
Tyrone Taylor, Hunter Renfroe and Jace Peterson represent backup options in center field for the Crew. Renfroe and Peterson profile as more of a corner outfielder and infielder respectively but are capable of playing passable defense in center. Taylor is a strong fielder at all three spots and played in over 100 innings in center last season.
Corey Ray, Jonathan Davis and Garrett Whitley and are all center fielders by trade and Pablo Reyes is a super-utility option capable of playing anywhere. It is almost guaranteed that at least one of them sees time on the big league roster in 2022 as they represent the top options to relieve Lorenzo Cain should he struggle with injuries again.
Right field
1. Hunter Renfroe
2. Tyrone Taylor
3. Jace Peterson
4. Christian Yelich
Depth: Corey Ray, David Dahl, Jonathan Davis, Garrett Whitley, Abraham Almonte
Newly acquired Hunter Renfroe will see the majority of the playing time in right field for the Brewers. The owner of one of the strongest outfield throwing-arms in the majors, Renfroe will be a welcome addition to the outfield alongside Lorenzo Cain.
Taylor, Peterson and Yelich can (and probably will) all see time in right field in the upcoming season as well. All three players have experience on the Brewers’ big league club in right field.
The list of minor league options remains the same in right field as it was in left field. All of the minor league signings can play right field and will see time in the majors if injuries arise.