Brewers 2025 season in review: the outfield group

The 2025 Milwaukee Brewers’ outfield group remained intact from the 2024 season, but this year they faced far more adversity due to injuries. The setbacks began in spring training, when Blake Perkins suffered a fractured shin that sidelined him until mid-summer. Garrett Mitchell once again battled shoulder problems, ultimately undergoing surgery that cut his season to just 25 games. Meanwhile, Jackson Chourio was hampered by a late-season hamstring injury that lingered into the postseason, and Sal Frelick battled a chronic knee issue much of the year, with some periodic time off as a result.

Due to the team’s injuries, Chourio was thrust into a more prominent role in center field, where he experienced some early-season growing pains. As if that weren’t enough, 2025 also marked the first year Christian Yelich transitioned to an almost full-time designated hitter role, appearing in 130 games at DH compared to just 19 in the field. This was a significant change from 2024, when, despite an injury-shortened season, he still played 48 games in the outfield and 20 as a DH.

Despite the changes, the Brewers’ outfield continued to play solid defense, finishing 10th overall in Defensive Runs Saved (DRS). For the second consecutive season, Sal Frelick was a finalist for a Gold Glove Award, but this year he was beat out by Fernando Tatis Jr. of the San Diego Padres. Additionally, the emergence of Isaac Collins in left field also proved to be a major boost, as he graded out as a strong defensive contributor in his own right.

At the plate, the Brewers’ outfield performed quite well. The group ranked second in the league in hits (491), fourth in doubles (97), fifth in stolen bases (73), and sixth in walks (182). They also drove in the ninth-most runs (240) and posted the eighth-best wRC+ (109). Not shockingly, however, they finished just 22nd in home runs (49).

Reviewing the other contributors to the Milwaukee Brewers outfield group from 2025 and taking a glimpse as to what could be in store in 2026

Additional outfield contributors in 2025 included Jake Bauers (who primarily played first base), Daz Cameron, Brandon Lockridge, Steward Berroa, and Drew Avans. Among this group of contributors with less prominent roles, Avans is the only player not currently on the 40-man roster, though he remains in the organization as a minor leaguer.

With the entire outfield core still under team control and retained at affordable rates, a major shakeup in 2026 appears unlikely. However, adding an outfielder with some power potential could prove valuable, particularly given Mitchell’s injury history. Such an addition would likely need to come from outside the organization, as 19-year-old Braylon Payne is the top internal outfield prospect but remains several years away from reaching the big leagues.

Overall, the Brewers appear to be in excellent shape heading into 2026. Their outfield is young, athletic, and defensively strong, with several players capable of making highlight-reel plays across all three spots. Offensively, this group may not rely on pure power, but their combination of speed, plate discipline, and consistent contact makes them a tough matchup for opposing pitchers. Milwaukee’s outfield looks poised to remain a key strength for years to come.