3 Brewers who desperately needed a hot start to spring training (and got one)

Spring Training isn’t just a tune-up for the regular season, it’s a proving ground. For fans and analysts, it offers insight into breakout candidates and roster battles. However for players, it’s a crucial window to refine their game, secure a role, or even fight for their careers. Whether it’s a dominant pitcher tweaking their arsenal, a hitter fine-tuning his swing, or a journeyman clinging to the roster bubble, camp determines who earns a spot with the Milwaukee Brewers on Opening Day and who gets left behind.

As for the players that needed a strong spring to break camp with the Brewers and seem to be well on their way to accomplishing just that, there are a few names that stick out.

Jake Bauers

Jake Bauers entered 2024 as Rhys Hoskins' primary backup, offering raw power and strong defense. However, his biggest strength is coupled with a ridiculous chase rate (96% in 2024) and a career .208 batting average. His struggles culminated in a disappointing .199/.301/.361 slash line, leading the Brewers to non-tender him.

Now back in camp, Bauers is fighting for another chance—and so far, he’s making a case. He’s posted a .286/.333/.500 slash line in early spring action, including a three-run homer against Cleveland on February 25th. While he’s struck out twice in seven at-bats, he’s also worked a walk and proven he can still contribute. If he sustains this level of play, he could be a valuable backup behind Hoskins, providing left-handed power while helping keep the veteran fresh.

Craig Yoho

To say Craig Yoho needed a hot start in Spring Training might be a stretch, but with the Brewers’ bullpen in flux, it certainly helps. The departure of Devin Williams left a massive void at the back end, and while the closer role belongs to Trevor Megill, Yoho is making a strong case for high-leverage innings.

Since being drafted in the 8th round in 2023, Yoho has dominated. In 2024, across three minor league levels, he posted a staggering 15.5 K/9 and did not allow a single home run. Expectations were high entering camp, and he did not hesitate to deliver. In two spring outings, he’s thrown 2.0 scoreless innings with two strikeouts and a 1.00 WHIP.

Megill may have the closer job for now, but Yoho’s dominance suggests he could be Milwaukee’s next elite bullpen weapon. Even a future ninth-inning option, seemingly taking over the mantle in line with the recent Milwaukee tradition.

Vinny Capra

Vinny Capra spent years bouncing around the Blue Jays' system before a brief MLB stint in 2022. After a trade to Pittsburgh and a waiver claim by Milwaukee, he spent most of 2024 in Triple-A, appearing in just three big-league games. Now 27, he’s determined to prove he belongs.

Capra made a statement in the Brewers’ spring opener on February 22, blasting two three-run homers, including a walk-off, in an 8-7 win over Cincinnati. So far, he’s hitting .400 with three home runs, seven RBIs, and a 1.700 OPS—forcing the hand of the Brewers organization to take notice. Known for his consistent contact and speed, he showed renewed power last season and hopes to carry that momentum into 2025. If he sustains this production, he could be guaranteed to break camp with the big-league club.

All three players listed above entered camp with something to prove. As competition intensifies, the coming weeks will reveal whether they’re truly ready to take the next step.

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