Predicting which Brewer will lead the offense in each major statistic in 2026

In the year 2026, advanced metrics are king. Statistics like wRC+, wOBA, Outs Above Average, and WAR have taken over baseball discourse, to the point where it feels like citing counting stats is an archaic method of arguing.

But those stats still matter, even if less than they once did. For the sake of predictions, it's far more fun to ponder who on the Milwaukee Brewers might sack 30 round-trippers rather than who will lead the lineup in "weighted runs created plus."

So, that's what we're here to do. Below, you'll find Brewers-related predictions for each of the five major offensive counting stats: runs, home runs, stolen bases, RBI, and batting average.

Predicting every Brewers major stat category leader in 2026

Runs

2025 winner: Brice Turang (97)
2026 prediction: Jackson Chourio

Consider this a declaration of both better health and more consistent performance from the 22-year-old phenom. Locked in as the team's leadoff hitter going into the regular season, Chourio should get on base enough to score quite frequently thanks to the incredible hitters behind him (more on them in a bit).

After finishing the 2025 season with 88 runs scored in 131 games, Chourio will cross triple digits with ease if he can remain healthy and avoid the early-season slump that sank his numbers last year.

Home Runs

2025 winner: Christian Yelich (29)
2026 prediction: Jackson Chourio

In case it's not abundantly clear, I'm all-in on Chourio's stock in 2026. He posted a 120 wRC+ in the second half of last season before blitzing all opposing pitchers in a legendary postseason run. He may not double the 21 home runs he hit a year ago, but his first 30-homer campaign should easily be in the cards.

Stolen Bases

2025 winner: Brice Turang (24)
2026 prediction: David Hamilton

I'll admit that it was really tempting to pick a Jackson Chourio sweep, but sometimes you have to diversify your portfolio. Taking Hamilton is a gamble on playing time, as he'll need to get on base enough times to actually have a chance to swipe enough bags to win this category.

To that end, his offense is untrustworthy, even after posting a 131 wRC+ in Spring Training. However, the Brewers have worked with him on being more patient at the plate, and even a few additional walks could lead to piles of stolen bases. With the benefit of being available off the bench most days, I foresee enough pinch-running opportunities for Hamilton to swipe 30+ bases for the second time in his career.

Runs Batted In

2025 winner: Christian Yelich (103)
2026 prediction: Christian Yelich

It was so, so tempting to pick William Contreras for this category, as he'll have the benefit of batting behind both Chourio and Turang on a nightly basis. The problem is he's a catcher, and even with the benefit of the designated hitter spot, it's hard to imagine his body holding up enough to play 140+ games for the fourth consecutive season.

So instead, let's go with the guy hitting fourth in the lineup, Christian Yelich. His incredible comeback performance in 2025 renewed some faith in his ability to keep producing deeper into his thirties, and he'll also be entirely focused on hitting as the team's primary DH. He won the team RBI crown by 22 last year, a gap that's probably a bit too wide for anyone else to close.

Batting Average (Qualified Hitters Only)

2025 winner: Sal Frelick/Brice Turang (.288)
2026 prediction: Brice Turang

With all due respect to Frelick, he finished 14 total hits behind Turang a year ago. The All-Star second baseman is fresh off a dominant World Baseball Classic performance and has gotten better at the plate in every season of his career. He's also got blistering speed (50 steals in 2024) that should help him beat out plenty of infield hits. Anyone else on the roster will be hard-pressed to usurp Turang for the team batting title in 2026.