3 players who could be surprise additions to Brewers' 2026 postseason roster

After their three-game sweep of the Baltimore Orioles over the weekend, the Milwaukee Brewers' Magic Number to secure a first-round bye and punch their ticket directly to the NLDS is down to just one. Whether it's a win in one of their last six games or an Atlanta Braves loss, the Brewers look destined to once again skip the Wild Card round in this year's postseason.

The first-round bye is significant for a number of reasons, including the fact that their memorable 162-game series won't come down to a daunting best-of-three series, but rather the Brewers would open the postseason with a best-of-five series, just as they did last year. Until that first NLDS game, which would be played on October 3 at American Family Field, speculation over roster construction will be a big topic. However it shakes out, it's important to remember that Milwaukee will more than likely opt to carry 14 position players and 12 pitchers for that series, which will impact who makes the postseason roster.

With that anticipated roster breakdown in mind, let's take a look at three players who could be surprise additions to the Brewers' playoff roster this year.

3 players who could make surprise appearances on the Milwaukee Brewers' 2026 NLDS roster

1. RHP Garrett Stallings

Across six games and 14.0 innings this year for the Brewers, Garrett Stallings has yet to allow an earned run. The 29-year-old rookie has looked the part too, with just five walks and 17 strikeouts during the stretch, highlighted by a six-punch-out during his most recent outing in Pittsburgh. Unfortunately, after that three-inning outing, Stallings was optioned down to Triple-A as Milwaukee was in need of a fresh arm, but with how well the right-hander has pitched, his name has surfaced as one who could potentially crack the team's playoff roster.

Stallings' path to the NLDS roster does have two big obstacles. First, he has just a small big-league sample size this year, and while the results are undeniable, the Brewers are likely to opt for someone who is more familiar with the major leagues on their postseason roster. Second, Milwaukee will likely carry just 12 pitchers on its NLDS roster. With Jacob Misiorowski, Logan Henderson, Dustin May, Trevor Megill, Abner Uribe, Aaron Ashby, Chad Patrick, DL Hall, Shane Drohan, JoJo Romero, Robert Gasser, and Antonio Senzatela -- 12 pitchers -- all appearing to be virtual locks, it's difficult to see where Stallings fits in. That said, if Milwaukee feels they need an innings eater on their postseason roster in case a game gets out of hand one way or another, Stallings' efficiency in low-leverage situations this year should keep his name in the conversation.

2. C Bo Naylor

When rosters expanded in September, Bo Naylor was one of the two players added to the Brewers’ roster. His scorching-hot run in Triple-A since being acquired certainly helped his case, but since his call-up, the Brewers have used him in just three games, giving him only seven at-bats. William Contreras has continued to handle the bulk of the catching duties, and Gary Sánchez has been the perfect back-up, making Naylor's opportunities few and far between.

Therefore, it’s easy to assume that there’s little chance of Naylor making the playoff roster. However, he does have postseason experience, which includes a decisive home run for the Cleveland Guardians in last year’s Wild Card Series. He’s also a left-handed hitter with power, and that alone could give him value as a potential pinch-hitter in the postseason. Perhaps Naylor's strongest case for the postseason roster, however, is how his presence changes the way that manager Pat Murphy can use Sánchez off the bench. Sánchez is one of the Brewers' most valuable pinch hitters with a lefty on the mound, but using your only back-up catcher as a pinch hitter early in the game is risky. Therefore, having Naylor as another catching option on the bench allows Murphy to be more aggressive with his use of Sánchez in a pinch-hit role.

3. OF Brandon Lockridge

Brandon Lockridge saw significant playing time early this season while Jackson Chourio was sidelined for a month with a hand fracture, and the Brewers' 2025 trade deadline acquisition made the most of the opportunity. Through the first six weeks of the season, Lockridge was slashing .294/.368/.341. However, Lockridge then suffered a knee injury and eventually had to undergo a minor procedure, which further delayed his recovery. By the time he returned, Luis Lara had emerged as another outfield option, leaving Lockridge without a clear path to regular playing time.

Still, Lockridge could have a role on the postseason roster. His speed alone would make him a valuable pinch-running option, while his defensive ability gives the Brewers another reliable option in the field if needed. He shouldn’t be expected to start any games, as he did in last year's postseason, but in the right situation, Lockridge could provide some valuable late-game versatility.

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