Milwaukee Brewers: 28-Man Opening Day Roster Prediction 2.0

Brewers Projected Opening Day Infielders (7)

Rowdy Tellez, Kolten Wong, Willy Adames, Jace Peterson, Keston Hiura, Mike Brosseau, Pablo Reyes

Other Candidates: none

We have come to the first big change from our initial predictions. Shortly after our original version was posted, it was learned that projected starting third baseman Luis Urias would be starting the season on the injured list, that according to Adam McCalvy of MLB.com.

So, while Rowdy Tellez, Kolten Wong, and Willy Adames stay put as likely starters on Opening Day, the left-handed Jace Peterson, who was basically guaranteed to make the roster due to his lack of minor league options, almost certainly takes over as the starting third baseman alongside them, since the Cubs should be deploying right-handed Kyle Hendricks as their starter on Thursday.

Keston Hiura has all but secured his Opening Day spot as he has continued to bash the ball this spring (1.500 OPS, 4 HR, 10 RBIs). Mike Brosseau is a lock as well and will form a lefty-righty platoon at third with Peterson besides backing up other positions.

The injury to Urias should also now give Pablo Reyes a spot on the Opening Day roster. While there is a small chance the Brewers carry an extra pitcher and he still doesn’t make it, Reyes would provide even more utility and speed as a pinch running option.

Brewers Projected Opening Day Outfielders (4)

Christian Yelich, Lorenzo Cain, Hunter Renfroe, Tyrone Taylor

Other Candidates: Corey Ray

Like the catching group, the projected outfield group for the Brewers hasn’t changed either. Christian Yelich, Lorenzo Cain, and Hunter Renfroe are your regular starters and Tyrone Taylor, who like Hiura hasn’t cooled down this spring, will be there for backup.

One interesting recent development was that Renfroe has been getting some work at first base to give more options for righty-heavy lineups this season. That could also be a way to allow Taylor to see the field more often in 2022.

Corey Ray has already been optioned to Triple-A and would only make the Opening Day roster under the most extreme of circumstances.

Brewers Projected Opening Day Designated Hitter (1)

Andrew McCutchen

Other Candidates: none

Newcomer Andrew McCutchen is still penciled in as the primary DH for the Brewers. As expected, though, he’s played the outfield some in spring training so there will certainly be a little bit of rotation through this position as the season goes on.