The one position the Brewers could stand to upgrade before the 2026 season arrives

The calendar has flipped to 2026, and to no surprise, the Milwaukee Brewers have had a very quiet offseason. Yes, the vast majority of the core that secured an MLB-best 97 wins and reached the League Championship Series is returning, but that doesn’t mean there isn’t at least one spot where an upgrade could make a meaningful difference.

January is also the time of year when Brewers fans start to reminisce about one of the best offseason days in franchise history. It was on January 25th, 2018, that the Brewers not only swung one of the best trades in recent history, acquiring Christian Yelich from the Miami Marlins for prospects who never panned out, but they also signed Lorenzo Cain to a five-year deal in what was a complete re-shaping of their outfield group.

Those two moves will forever live in the minds of Brewers fans as the day that the feeling in the organization shifted. Since that day, Milwaukee has won five division titles, made two NLCS appearances, and qualified for the postseason in seven of the last eight seasons. Milwaukee doesn't need those types of moves this offseason, but any team would take a trade as successful as the Yelich deal regardless of their roster situation. Ironically, the corner outfield is where the Brewers could stand to upgrade if they do go hunting for another impactful trade this winter.

Outfield is one area where the Milwaukee Brewers should upgrade before 2026 arrives

For the Brewers, the outfield represents the most obvious area for improvement. Jackson Chourio and Sal Frelick are firmly entrenched as everyday players, but with Yelich expected to spend most of his time at designated hitter again, Isaac Collins now in Kansas City, and ongoing durability concerns surrounding Garrett Mitchell, Milwaukee would be wise to explore an upgrade this winter.

Even though Matt Arnold acquired Brandon Lockridge at last year’s trade deadline, Blake Perkins has proven his defensive value time and time again, and Akil Baddoo has been added to the mix, the Brewers could still stand to add a clear-cut everyday outfielder while keeping those players in backup roles. Targeting an impact option such as Wilyer Abreu, Jarren Duran, or Byron Buxton would improve Milwaukee's situation greatly and solidify them as one of the teams to beat in the National League.

Of the trio, a deal for Abreu, the Boston Red Sox' talented young outfielder, would be the closest thing to a Yelich-esque trade. In fact, Abreu's profile is eerily similar to the one Yelich had prior to his trade to Milwaukee. Though the Red Sox are motivated to move an outfielder this season, it's more likely Duran is the name they are willing to part with. Duran has less power and a worse glove than Abreu, but he was an MVP candidate in 2024, and would absolutely "move the needle" if he's added to Milwaukee's outfield group. Buxton, on the other hand, would be closer to Milwaukee's signing of Lorenzo Cain -- a proven veteran outfielder whose value could slip quickly as he progresses through the final years of his contract. That said, the roughly $15 million salary Buxton is owed each year for the next three seasons is very reasonable for a player of his caliber.

Heading into 2026, it’s clear that the Brewers could benefit from upgrading their outfield. They have plenty of intriguing options in the outfield, but if a needle-moving trade is set to occur, it's likely that is where it happens. Targeting a proven everyday player this winter would be ideal. However, if no move is made before the season begins, it’s possible that Milwaukee will be forced into action during the year, making in-season trades or waiver claims to improve the roster.