3 Brewers players who are legitimate dark horse candidates for Opening Day roster

With spring training in full swing, the Milwaukee Brewers find themselves with no shortage of talent as they gear up for Opening Day. As is the case every spring, surprise performances emerge, making roster decisions a challenge for the front office. Hot starts can put players on the map, but sustaining that success is what separates the spring sensations from the legitimate roster contenders.

As Milwaukee prepares for the regular season, a few unexpected names are making their case to crack the Opening Day roster but could for the most part be deep depth pieces. Here’s a closer look at three dark horse candidates who could force the Brewers' hand before camp breaks.

Here are the Brewers players in camp who could sneak up and steal an Opening Day roster spot

Ernesto Martinez (1B)

Nicknamed “The Cuban Missile,” Ernesto Martinez has been one of the most intriguing players in camp. The 6’6” first baseman has turned heads with his power at the plate and his impressive defensive range, so much so that he’s already flashed the ability to stretch into full splits to make difficult plays.

Despite sitting behind Jake Bauers and Tyler Black on the depth chart, Martinez’s raw power is something the Brewers could find difficult to ignore, especially if he finds success over the next few weeks. At 25 years old, he’s no longer a developing prospect, he’s a bat-first player with real major-league potential.

The question is whether his spring production will be enough to leapfrog Bauers, a veteran with big-league experience, or Black, whose versatility makes him an attractive roster piece. If Martinez flashes his slugging ability and proves he can handle big-league pitching consistently, Milwaukee may have no choice but to bring him up for Opening Day.

Tyler Black (IF)

Tyler Black hasn’t put up eye-popping numbers in the early stages of spring, but don’t let that fool you. His versatility makes him a strong candidate to break camp with the team. The infielder has just one hit in his first nine at-bats but has shown plate discipline by drawing a walk and avoiding strikeouts.

What makes Black such an asset is his ability to play all over the infield. He’s currently slotted as the primary backup at first, second, and third base, a clear indication that the Brewers trust him to step in when needed. While he may not be projected as an everyday starter, his high contact rate and defensive flexibility give him an edge over other players competing for a roster spot.

Manuel Margot (OF)

The Brewers have no shortage of outfield depth, but that doesn’t mean there isn’t a place for a steady, veteran presence like Manuel Margot. While top prospects continue to develop in the minors, Margot could be the perfect bridge player for 2025, offering reliable defense and a proven record of major-league experience.

With former MVP Christian Yelich expected to see more time at designated hitter, the Brewers will need a capable glove to replace him in the field. Margot has long been known for his defensive ability, and even though his offensive numbers have declined since his peak seasons in Tampa Bay (2019, 2021), he still provides above-average speed and a low strikeout rate.

Coming off a quiet season with Minnesota, Margot might not be the flashiest name, but he’s a known commodity. He won’t be a centerpiece of Milwaukee’s offense, but as a depth piece, he brings reliability and veteran leadership, a combination that can’t be overlooked.

Spring training performances can be deceiving, but Martinez, Black, and Margot each bring something unique to the table. With the Brewers’ depth chart still fluid, the next few weeks will determine who stays in Milwaukee for Opening Day and who heads to the minors as an insurance piece.

With the Brewers’ depth chart still fluid, the next few weeks will determine who stays in Milwaukee for Opening Day and who heads to the minors as an insurance piece.

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