Brewers X-factors: 5 underrated players who could make a huge impact in 2025

America's pastime has been rolling along for nearly two centuries. During that time, there have been plenty of bonafide stars going back to the early legends like John Montgomery Ward, Cy Young, Lou Gehrig, Babe Ruth, and the list goes on and on.

In Milwaukee, it started with Hank Aaron, then Robin Yount, Paul Molitor, and Rollie Fingers. In more recent years, guys like Ryan Braun, Christian Yelich, and even Jackson Chourio have taken the spotlight, leading the Brewers to the postseason nearly every season since 2018.

For every Robin Yount or Ryan Braun though, there was a Jim Gantner or Nyjer Morgan, who was beloved by hometown fans, but maybe didn't get that same recognition from around the league. The best baseball teams need those types of players to win games, and ideally, reach the postseason.

Brewers X-factors: 5 underrated players who could make a huge impact in 2025

This year's Brewers club is going to rely on several of these types of players if they want to return to the National League playoffs for a third straight season. Though the season is young, several of these players have already had prominent roles.

Eric Hasse, Brewers catcher

Milwaukee has one of the best catchers in all of baseball in William Contreras. We all know about his offensive ability, but one of his best skills is his availability. The guy is a gamer, playing in the lineup nearly every day. In fact, last season Contreras appeared in 155 games, starting in 153, and catching 120 of those games.

Of course, that does leave 42 games where someone else is behind the dish. It can be hard to be sharp behind the plate, and build a relationship with pitchers, while also being able to remain an offensive threat even though you aren't in the lineup every day.

Haase is the perfect foil to Contreras. Last season, after a great spring training, the team optioned Haase to Triple-A, carrying Gary Sanchez over him to start the season. However, when he finally got the call, Haase was fantastic.

He appeared in 30 games for the Brewers, hitting for a .273 average, and cranking five home runs. In his first start this year, Haase called a shutout behind the plate and smashed a home run in the early going. Whether it be behind the plate or as a DH, Haase is option to have in the back pocket for manager Pat Murphy.

Isaac Collins, Brewers infielder

Collins is another player who doesn't have a defined roll as things stand right now, and may end up on the outside looking in when Blake Perkins returns from injury. That may mean being sent down to Triple-A Nashville, and staying ready in case of an injury to another player, or filling that gap if someone is hurt in the interim.

One big thing for Collins, is his versatility. Collins can play 2nd and 3rd, as well as all 3 outfield spots. This role has been filled by players like Hernan Perez and Jake Bauers in years past. Collins is off to a great start this season. With three minor-league options on his current deal, and having made the Opening Day roster, Collins could very well be the first guy called upon in case of emergency.

Abner Uribe, Brewers pitcher

Over the past few seasons, the Brewers bullpen has been one of, if not, the best in all of baseball. Despite big name departures of Josh Hader and Devin Williams, this unit has marched on time and time again. Uribe returns to the main roster after a suspension and injury ended his 2024 campaign, and was forced to be unavailable for the first four games of the season to serve that suspension.

Despite losing the closer role battle to Trevor Megill last season while the team dealt with the Williams injury, Uribe still can have a big role with this team. With the bullpen having to eat a lot of innings here in the early part of the season with a decimated starting rotation, the team will need all the available arms they can get. Uribe has thrown in high leverage situations before, and having another guy capable of doing so late in games can be the difference between a win and a loss.

Chad Patrick, Brewers pitcher

This may be more of a short-term situation rather than a season long x-factor, but Chad Patrick definitely fits the mold here. Everyone knows about the Brewers starting pitching depth, or lack thereof, to start the 2025 season. While no team wins the World Series in April, you can definitely put yourself out of the picture with a very slow start.

Brewers fans were fearing the worst after a three-game sweep to start the season against the New York Yankees, With only the game on Opening Day particularly close. Things didn't get much better in the Brewers home opener, losing to Kansas City 11-1. Patrick was able to pitch a gem in his spot start against the Royals, going 4.2 innings, giving up only three hits, and striking out five as the team notched its first win of the season 5-0.

Patrick may only be a starter until the reinforcements make their way back from injury. From there, he may be moved to the bullpen, or he may be sent to Triple-A. Either way, he is going to be a key piece to start the season.

Brice Turang, Brewers infielder

Brice Turang may not qualify as an underrated player, considering he won the NL Gold Glove at second base, and was later named the National League Platinum Glove winner as the best defender as voted by the fans.

In his first season back in 2023, Turang hit just .218 but took a lot of walks, and stole 26 bases. His second season saw him improve to a .254 average, taking 50 walks, and stealing 57 bases. By no means is he going to be a 30 home run guy like Ketel Marte, but has started the season by getting a hit in each of the team's first six games.

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