5 Brewers who won't make the Opening Day roster but could have a big impact in 2026

Every spring, the Milwaukee Brewers bring a large number of players into camp, but only 26 can be on the Opening Day major-league roster. That reality means some intriguing names, young prospects, bounce-back veterans, and depth pieces will begin the year in the minors.

But starting the season off the roster doesn’t mean a player won’t shape the year. In fact, many teams rely heavily on players who begin in Triple-A or on the outside looking in, only to become crucial contributors later on.

Here are five Brewers who likely won’t make the Opening Day roster but could still have a huge impact on the 2026 season.

5 Milwaukee Brewers who won't make the Opening Day roster but could play important roles in 2026

1. LHP Sammy Peralta

The Brewers’ first offseason addition has already been optioned to the minor leagues, so he’ll likely begin the year as a depth option. However, Sammy Peralta’s funky arm angle and sinker/slider combination give him intriguing upside. Considering Milwaukee’s strong track record of helping relievers rediscover their form, it wouldn’t be surprising to see him emerge as an unexpected contributor in 2026, even with a career 5.12 ERA at the big-league level.

2. RHP Craig Yoho

It takes an army of relievers to get through a full 162-game season, which means Craig Yoho is likely to factor in at some point. His changeup, which draws comparison to Devin Williams' "airbender," gives him significant upside, and after learning plenty during a challenging 2025 campaign, he could have real breakout potential in his second year in the big leagues.

3. UTIL Jett Williams

Brewers newcomer Jett Williams is simply a ballplayer. He can line up almost anywhere on the field, brings plenty of athleticism, and has intriguing upside at the plate. However, he isn’t on the 40-man roster yet, and it’s not entirely clear where he’ll initially fit with Milwaukee. Still, it would be surprising if he didn’t end up taking over a role somewhere in 2026, whether that’s replacing a struggling player or stepping in due to injury. And once he gets that opportunity, there’s good reason to believe he’ll make the most of it.

4. OF Akil Baddoo

A year ago, the Brewers’ outfield depth was put to the test as Garrett Mitchell, Blake Perkins, and Jackson Chourio all dealt with injuries. At some point this season, Baddoo could similarly be called upon to step in. With plenty to prove in a new organization, it wouldn't be surprising to see a strong showing from him, as players have thrived in fresh start scenarios with Milwaukee in the past.

5. 3B Brock Wilken

Milwaukee’s 2023 first-round pick has just one full season left before becoming Rule 5 Draft eligible, which means the organization may push him more aggressively than ever this year after he spent significant time in Double-A over the past two seasons. Power is his biggest asset, and if he earns a spot on the 40-man roster and makes his MLB debut in 2026, it wouldn’t be surprising to see him make a strong first impression with a few long balls.