Brewers: 3 Position Battles to Watch During Spring Training

1 of 3

PITTSBURGH, PA – JULY 03: Keston Hiura #18 of the Milwaukee Brewers in action during the game against the Pittsburgh Pirates at PNC Park on July 3, 2021 in Pittsburgh, Pennsylvania. (Photo by Justin Berl/Getty Images) /

Despite the major league transaction freeze, the Milwaukee Brewers were busy this off-season. The night before the lockout began, they added power hitting corner outfielder Hunter Renfroe and then following the lockout signed Andrew McCutchen to serve as their primary DH. They also brought back veteran reliever Brad Boxberger.

That being said, this is a team full of experienced players with a good amount of promising young talent surrounding them. This makes it difficult for younger players to play their way onto the major league roster this spring, however there are a few spots that are up for grabs.

Here are three position battles to watch for the Brewers this spring.

1. Back Up/Utility Infielder

Looking around the diamond, the infield is pretty much set in terms of starters. Rowdy Tellez is expected to play a large amount at first base, Kolton Wong second, Luis Urias third, and Willy Adames at shortstop. Returning players from last year’s squad looking to back up positions or even platoon include Jace Peterson, Keston Hiura, and Pablo Reyes.

Peterson went through several hot and cold stretches during the 2021 season, but he proved to be a serviceable backup with his ability to get on base. Additionally, he can play any of the infield positions. With no minor league options remaining, he would appear to be a favorite to make the roster out of camp in order to prevent having him clear waivers to keep him in the organization, although that exact same situation happened last year.

The addition of the DH initially helped Hiura’s chances of making the major league roster, but that optimism quickly depleted when it was announced that McCutchen will get the vast of those opportunities. Given Hiura’s struggles on the defensive end, it may take a great offensive spring training in order for Hiura to break camp with the Brewers.

Reyes perhaps has the longest shot of these three to earn a spot. He does have a minor league option remaining and odds are it will be exercised this season. Reyes additionally will be competing with several other newcomers to the team. Of those, infielder Mike Brosseau and first baseman Tyler White will be looking to earn major league spots.

Brosseau came over to the Brewers via trade this off-season. He is most famously known for his series clinching home run off Aroldis Chapman in 2020 with the Rays. He is a right-handed batter who hits lefties well and can play anywhere in the infield. Brosseau has two minor league options remaining, so it’s possible that other players get chances at the major league level before him.

Lastly, Tyler White will be looking to earn a platoon spot at first base. White is a right-handed batter who has a lot of pop in his bat. He was signed to a minor league deal out of the Astros organization this off-season, but he did make his major league debut in 2021. His first week was quite memorable as he hit three home runs in his first six games. Perhaps he can play his way onto the team similar to how Jesus Aguilar did in 2017.

MILWAUKEE, WISCONSIN – JUNE 30: Aaron Ashby #26 of the Milwaukee Brewers pitches against the Chicago Cubs in the first inning at American Family Field on June 30, 2021 in Milwaukee, Wisconsin. (Photo by Patrick McDermott/Getty Images) /

Here are three position battles to watch for the Brewers this spring.

2. No. 6 Starter/Swingman spot

For the past two seasons, the pitching staff has played a major role in the Brewers’ success. Corbin Burnes was able to win the team’s first Cy Young Award since 1982 and between Josh Hader and Devin Williams, a Brewer has been the reliever of the year for four consecutive seasons.

As we look at the starting rotation to begin 2022, Corbin Burnes, Brandon Woodruff, Freddy Peralta, Adrian Houser, and Eric Lauer all seem to be locks. However, with the start of the season pushed back, the Brewers will play 24 games in 25 days to begin the year and may elect to utilize a six-man rotation again. This opens the door for Aaron Ashby, Ethan Small, or even Luis Perdomo.

Craig Counsell this morning, ahead of Small's start against the Dodgers: "Ethan Small is going to make starts for us this year. The way he's going right now, he's gonna make starts for us. You still have to earn yourself into that conversation. And he has done that."
— Adam McCalvy (@AdamMcCalvy) March 18, 2022

Ashby debuted last season and made appearances both as a starter and in the bullpen. It is unclear as to what role the Brewers plan to use him in this year, but odds are it may be similar to the 2021 season.

As mentioned above, Small is expected to make starts in 2022 at the major league level. The Brewers’ first round pick in the 2019 draft out of Mississippi State is not currently on the 40-man roster, so a move would have to be made in order to make this happen.

Perdomo, who has major league experience with the Padres and missed all of last season recovering from Tommy John surgery, is a long shot but had a solid spring debut with the Brewers on Saturday, starting and retiring all six batters he faced. Lucky for him the beauty of spring baseball is that everyone has a chance at making a roster.

DENVER, COLORADO – AUGUST 05: Trevor Gott #58 of the San Francisco Giants throws in the ninth inning against the Colorado Rockies at Coors Field on August 05, 2020 in Denver, Colorado. (Photo by Matthew Stockman/Getty Images) /

Here are three position battles to watch for the Brewers this spring.

3. Bullpen spots up for grabs

In the bullpen, there are a handful of pitchers who will be competing for spots. Newcomers Trevor Gott and J.C. Mejia will be going up against returners Jandel Gustave, Angel Perdomo, and Hoby Milner. Non-40-man roster players Zack Brown and Lucas Erceg are long shots but are hoping to make a good impression this spring.

Gott is a 29-year-old pitcher who is out of minor league options. He is a high velocity pitcher that generates a lot of swings and misses. His off-speed command is what has gotten him into trouble in the past and he’ll need to harness it in order to stay on the roster.

Mejia was acquired via trade this off-season and is still a work in progress. He made his MLB debut with Cleveland last year and struggled, however his slider is very good and at just 25 years old, perhaps the Brewers can help polish up his pitches.

Reports have indicated that MLB teams will be able to carry additional pitchers for the month of April, which could open the door for a few of these guys to make the roster in the bullpen. Depth in the pen will again be important for the Brewers, but new CBA rules may impact how many receive major league opportunities which makes having more reliable/proven players in the bigs more valuable.

Next. Luis Urias Leaves Cactus League Game With Injury. dark

Want your voice heard? Join the Reviewing The Brew team!

Write for us!

All-in-all, the Brewers are in a very good spot as a team given their depth. This spring’s position battles may not be as exciting as previous years, but that is a testament to how well built this roster is going into the start of the regular season.

Home / Brewers News

Here are three position battles to watch for the Brewers this spring.

1. Back Up/Utility Infielder

Here are three position battles to watch for the Brewers this spring.

2. No. 6 Starter/Swingman spot

Here are three position battles to watch for the Brewers this spring.

3. Bullpen spots up for grabs

Schedule