Who might be the 1,000th player to appear in a game in Brewers history?

For decades, so many different players have had the honor of appearing in a game wearing a Milwaukee Brewers uniform. In fact, 999 such players have seen the field for the Crew, if only for a pitch or plate appearance.

That means the Brewers franchise is about to cross a huge milestone as the next new player to appear in a game will be number 1,000. And with plenty of new players to the roster in 2024, it's anyone's guess as to who that next player might be.

Well, guess who that next player might be is exactly what we're going to do. Here are a few players on the Brewers roster who could be the 1,000 to appear in a game.

RHP Kevin Herget

The 33-year-old Kevin Herget was thiiiiis close to being player No. 1,000 when he was added to the 40-man and 26-man rosters on Tuesday. But before he could toe the rubber for Milwaukee, he was optioned right back to Triple-A earlier today to make way for Wade Miley's return from the injured list.

Despite his age, Herget, who was signed right before Cactus League games began, only has 17 games of major league experience to his name: three with Tampa Bay in 2022 and 14 more with Cincinnati last season. He has a 5.74 ERA and 17 strikeouts to just six walks over that time.

It wouldn't be surprising if a reliever ends up being Brewer No. 1,000 as Milwaukee currently has five pitchers on the IL (Taylor Clarke, Jacob Junis, Trevor Megill, Devin Williams, Brandon Woodruff). The starting rotation still has enough arms, so with the yearly Triple-A shuttle in full force for the bullpen, a pitcher like Herget could be the one that passes the milestone.

RHP Vladimir Gutierrez

Keeping the reliever theme going, the Brewers could opt to go with another right-hander who was acquired even more recently than Herget and also happens to be a former member of the Reds. He would also require just a quick call up from Triple-A.

Vladimir Gutierrez was designated for assignment by the Marlins just a few days after the 2024 season began. Familiar with him from his days in the NL Central, the Brewers decided to claim him off waivers and had him report to Triple-A Nashville.

Gutierrez had a solid enough rookie season as a starter in 2021 with Cincinnati when he went 9-6 with a 4.74 ERA in 22 starts, even earning an NL Rookie of the Year vote that year. Tommy John surgery in 2022 put his career on hold and he only pitched in five minor league games in 2023. Now healthy, he could get the next call over Herget if needed and be the 1,000th Brewer.

1B/3B Tyler Black

With an outside chance to win a roster spot out of spring training, corner infielder Tyler Black didn't quite put up a big enough offensive performance to get the job done. But that doesn't mean that he won't be seen at some point this season.

Black, the No. 4 prospect in the Brewers organization according to MLB Pipeline, finished the 2023 season at Triple-A and is back there to start 2024. He's getting on base 35.7% of the time, as is his M.O., and has a double and triple among his nine hits.

Up at the major league level, first baseman Jake Bauers isn't exactly setting the world on fire with his .167 average and .509 OPS in 24 at bats. If the Brewers decide to cut their losses at some point, Black could be next man up to back up Rhys Hoskins at first and be the 1,000th Brewers player to enter a game in team history.