3 Brewers who could be in the Rookie of the Year conversation in 2026

Over the years, plenty of attention has been given to the Milwaukee Brewers’ ability to develop young players into quality big leaguers. Homegrown talents such as Brandon Woodruff, Corbin Burnes, Devin Williams, Brice Turang, Jackson Chourio, and Sal Frelick are all strong examples. Meanwhile, players like Freddy Peralta, Josh Hader, Chad Patrick, Robert Gasser, Joey Ortiz, Caleb Durbin, and Isaac Collins represent contributors who were acquired externally but blossomed with the organization.

While the Brewers’ operating model doesn’t allow them to retain all of these players long-term, the 2025 season may have been an outlier in terms of how many rookies made an immediate impact in their first year in the majors. Chad Patrick, Isaac Collins, Jacob Misiorowski, and Caleb Durbin all emerged as Rookie of the Year contenders at one point or another, and Durbin ultimately finished as a finalist for the coveted honor.

With both Collins and Durbin departing by trade this off-season, and nagging injuries in the starting rotation affecting Brandon Woodruff and Quinn Priester this spring, the door could be open for more rookies to enter that same conversation in 2026.

3 Milwaukee Brewers who could be in the Rookie of the Year conversation in 2026

1. RHP Brandon Sproat

Newcomer Brandon Sproat, who was acquired in the Peralta trade package, made his MLB debut with the New York Mets in 2025. However, he logged just 20 innings, allowing him to retain his rookie status heading into 2026. He also remains eligible for the Prospect Promotion Incentive (PPI) thanks to his high ranking across multiple prospect boards.

While Sproat breaking camp on the Opening Day roster is far from a certainty, injuries could easily create an opportunity for him to make an immediate impact, much like Patrick did a season ago. Sproat features a big fastball and a deep repertoire, throwing the kitchen sink at hitters with six pitches in his arsenal. That variety gives him plenty of upside to potentially make a splash as a rookie.

2. RHP Logan Henderson

Similar to Sproat, Logan Henderson made his MLB debut a season ago, but will still be considered a rookie in 2026. He was used sparingly by the Brewers in 2025, but far exceeded expectations when called upon, with a dazzling 1.78 ERA over five quality starts for the team.

Interestingly, Henderson was able to neutralize big league hitters last season primarily with a fastball–changeup combination. This year, he’s already anticipating that teams will adjust, so he has reintroduced his curveball from his college days to give him a third pitch. That proactive approach, combined with his previous success, makes him a legitimate threat to put together a strong full season and potentially emerge as a Rookie of the Year candidate.

3. UTIL Jett Williams

22-year-old Jett Williams was arguably the prized prospect that Milwaukee received by dealing Peralta to the Mets. He has the athleticism and instincts to play center field and shortstop, and due to roster construction could make sense at third base too, especially if free agent signee Luis Rengifo struggles.

That said, Williams is not currently on the 40-man roster and could follow a similar MLB path to what the Brewers did with Durbin last season. This would likely involve starting the year in the minors before earning an extended look once called up. Whenever and wherever that opportunity comes, Williams has the tools to make an immediate impact on the big league roster and could emerge as a Rookie of the Year contender by season's end.