New Brewers hitting coach already having major impact on swing decisions

For the 2026 season, the Milwaukee Brewers have some new, but still familiar, faces on their coaching staff. This is an approach that blends continuity, especially with manager Pat Murphy, who previously signed a three-year contract extension, as well as with fresh perspective. All of this helps everyone, especially newcomers, understand the club’s culture, expectations, and long-term vision.

New to the coaching staff in 2026 are first base coach Spencer Allen, hitting coaches Guillermo Martinez and Daniel Vogelbach, along with assistant pitching coach Juan Sandoval. Allen is perhaps seen the most as he is on the field every half inning, but he also seemingly hasn’t missed a beat stepping into his new role. He has effectively carried over the aggressive base running identity established by Quintin Berry and Julio Borbon, with the club continuing to thrive on the basepaths and leading the league with 35 stolen bases.

Before Allen can make an impact with his insight and communication at first base, hitters have to get on base, and that’s where Vogelbach is already leaving his mark. Drawing from his own patient approach at the plate, Vogelbach has helped shape an offense that prioritizes discipline and getting on base, even more so than years prior.

New Milwaukee Brewers hitting coach Daniel Vogelbach drawing on his own experiences to impact the 2026 club

Throughout his nine-year MLB career, Vogelbach was known for being a notoriously patient hitter and hunting for the right pitch. The left-handed slugger only swung 33% of the time throughout his career, while the league average was a 47% swing rate. This led to him hardly chasing out of the zone and frequently drawing walks.

Similar to 2025, this year’s Brewers lineup is thriving in that area, but they’ve taken it a step further. Last season, Milwaukee swung at 45% of pitches; this year, that number has dropped to a league-low 43% entering play on Friday night. Their chase rate remains steady at 25%, but the slightly more patient approach is paying off. The Brewers are now tied for the league lead in walks and rank fifth in on-base percentage at .341, a clear sign that their refined discipline is producing results.

With key injuries to Jackson Chourio, Andrew Vaughn, and Christian Yelich, this offensive approach has become even more essential. By consistently getting on base, extending innings, especially with timely two-out hits, and forcing opposing pitchers to work deep into counts, the lineup is still finding ways to manufacture runs. In a month where every run scored has carried extra weight, Vogelbach’s voice of reinforcing a philosophy the team already excels at is exactly what the Brewers need.

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