3 Brewers with the most to prove in 2026 Spring Training

As the Milwaukee Brewers open camp for the 2026 season, several major storylines are already taking center stage. The options at third base, featuring new signee Luis Rengifo and newcomer Jett Williams, the makeup of the starting rotation, and the plan for Jeferson Quero are all looming large as camp gets underway.

Outside of those headlines, this spring carries extra significance for several other players. Whether it’s looking to lock down a defined role or finally delivering on long-awaited potential, a handful of Brewers enter camp with more to prove than most. Here are three players who fit that narrative.

3 Milwaukee Brewers with the most to prove in 2026 Spring Training

1. 1B/OF Tyler Black

Selected 33rd overall in the 2021 MLB Draft, the same class that brought Milwaukee Sal Frelick, Logan Henderson, and Carlos Rodriguez, Black has yet to carve out a consistent role at the big-league level. Despite brief call-ups over the past two seasons, totaling just 23 games, he hasn’t been able to firmly establish himself in the majors.

This spring is pivotal for Black. He’ll need to make a strong impression both at the plate and in the field by showcasing his advanced offensive approach, elite speed, and an ability to settle into a defined defensive position. With just one minor league option remaining, one that’s likely to be used this season, the pressure is mounting. If he can’t establish himself in 2026, he could enter next spring with little margin for error and his long-term outlook with the organization very much in question.

2. INF David Hamilton

Until recently being re-acquired in the Caleb Durbin package, it had been more than four years since David Hamilton was last part of the Brewers' organization. The Brewers previously dealt Hamilton in the 2021 Jackie Bradley Jr. trade that brought Hunter Renfroe to Milwaukee. Though he’s familiar with the organization, he now returns as a big leaguer and with just one minor league option remaining. Hamilton finds himself competing for a backup infielder role, one that also features the newcomer Williams -- a highly regarded prospect pushing for an opportunity.

Hamilton’s speed on the basepaths isn’t what he needs to prove this spring; that’s already well established after a 70-steal season in the minors in 2022 and more than 50 combined stolen bases in the big leagues over the past two years. His defense shouldn't be a concern either -- though it would be nice to see him log a few innings at third base, seeing as he's manned the hot corner for a total of just four outs during his three-year MLB career. Rather, Hamilton will need to prove that his bat is consistent enough to be a utility infielder in MLB. He will need to demonstrate a more disciplined approach at the plate, especially given his career .283 on-base percentage in the majors, and any ability to drive the baseball would be a bonus for the 28-year-old infielder.

3. RHP Craig Yoho

After being selected by the Brewers in the 2023 draft, reliever Craig Yoho lit up the minor leagues in 2024, racking up 101 strikeouts over 57.2 innings. That performance earned him a well-deserved MLB debut in 2025 after he continued to dominate in Triple-A. However, once he reached the big leagues, he didn’t quite look like himself.

Heading into 2026, Yoho will need to prove he can trust his elite changeup against the game’s best hitters. To do so, better command of his four-seam fastball is required. Yoho doesn’t have to be flawless or live on the corners, but allowing his changeup to work naturally and play to its movement will be key. That pitch has been the foundation of his success in the minors, and it will need to remain his calling card at the major league level.