4 burning questions looming over Brewers camp as Spring Training gets underway

The Milwaukee Brewers are gearing up for the 2026 season in which they will compete for their fourth consecutive NL Central title, but there are still plenty of unanswered questions hanging over the team as Spring Training gets underway. Manager Pat Murphy recently told MLB Network that he likes it that way as it "keeps players hungry" and fosters a competitive atmosphere within the organization.

With multiple big league roster spots open, ranging from the starting rotation and bullpen to third base and the outfield, the upcoming weeks will be critical in shaping the club’s plans for the 2026 campaign. Here are four burning questions throughout Brewers camp as they continue to get ready for Opening Day.

4 questions the Brewers have to answer before Opening Day

1. Will Luis Rengifo be the Opening Day third baseman?

Just when you think you've got the Brewers figured out, they throw a curveball. Not long ago, newly acquired infield/outfield prospect Jett Williams seemed poised to compete for an Opening Day spot with the possibility of testing Joey Ortiz at shortstop and even having a shot in center field, which is perhaps his best defensive position. But then the Brewers traded Caleb Durbin, which appeared to clear the path for Williams at third, despite the fact that he's never played there -- much like Durbin last season. But just as Brewers fans were coming around to the idea of Williams being the starting third baseman, the Brewers signed veteran utility player Luis Rengifo, who's played plenty of third base throughout his seven-year MLB career.

With several highly regarded infield prospects on the way, Rengifo’s signing makes sense as a bridge to keep the position steady until players like Jesús Made, Luis Peña, Cooper Pratt, Andrew Fischer, and Brock Wilken are ready. The big question, though, is whether he will get the first shot at third base in 2026 or not. Only time will tell, but his positional versatility ensures that he will be a valuable asset to the Brewers, whether he starts at the hot corner or not.

2. Will the Brewers immediately start the service time clock on Jett Williams?

Building on the earlier question, it's worth noting that Williams is not currently on the 40-man roster, but he is eligible for the Prospect Promotion Incentive (PPI). This means that if he makes the Opening Day roster, accrues a full year of service time, and either wins Rookie of the Year or finishes in the top three of MVP voting, the Brewers could receive a compensatory draft pick in 2027. Given that the Brewers have fewer top picks this year compared to 2025, that potential pick could be especially valuable.

Williams certainly has the positional versatility and offensive skills to make a strong impression in Brewers camp this spring, potentially earning an Opening Day roster spot. It wouldn’t be surprising if his service time clock starts right away, but it’s also possible that Milwaukee opts to give him more time to adjust and starts the season with Rengifo in the infield.

3. What is the plan for catcher Jeferson Quero?

23-year-old Jeferson Quero is entering his second season removed from surgery to repair a torn labrum, an injury he sustained while diving back to first base in his first Triple-A game on Opening Day in 2024. Unfortunately, a hamstring injury delayed his start to the 2025 season until June, limiting him to just 69 games overall. Despite the setbacks, Quero impressed at the plate, posting a solid slash line of .271/.361/.478 with 11 home runs, 32 walks, and just 40 strikeouts.

Until the Brewers' reunion with Gary Sánchez, Quero was one of only two catchers on the 40-man roster, potentially setting him up to back up William Contreras. That now seems highly unlikely, at least to start the year, but at some point during the 2026 season, Quero should be in the big leagues. With Contreras' future after this season in question, seeing as he would be entering his final year of team control and would be a trade candidate, getting Quero experience in MLB should be on the Brewers' to-do list in 2026.

4. Who is the team's fourth outfielder?

With Jackson Chourio and Sal Frelick seemingly locked into outfield spots, and Christian Yelich at designated hitter, history tells us the third position is Garrett Mitchell's to lose. When healthy, that spot has been his, and heading into 2026, there’s little reason to believe that will change. The real question is who will claim the fourth outfielder role, which could be an important role given Mitchell's injury history. Will it be Blake Perkins once again? 2025 trade deadline acquisition Brandon Lockridge, whom the Brewers gave up a lot to acquire? Or the offseason signing Akil Baddoo?

Of that group, Lockridge quickly earned the trust of his skipper after arriving in Milwaukee from the San Diego Padres halfway through last season, stepping in seamlessly when Chourio was sidelined with a hamstring injury in August and eventually even earning a postseason start. However, Baddoo, a former second-round pick, will likely be hungry to make a strong impression in his new organization. That said, Perkins has been the go-to fourth outfielder over the last two years, and the role seems like his to lose. Will the Brewers stay consistent and go with Perkins or will one of Lockridge or Baddoo earn a spot on the Opening Day roster?

As the Brewers progress through Spring Training, these key questions and positional battles will be crucial to watch. As Murphy desires, competition will be intense, and tough decisions will need to be made. Regardless of the outcomes, it’s clear that the Brewers want their players to stay hungry for opportunities, especially as they build a team poised for a playoff run in 2026.