What the Brewers’ rotation picture looks like after adding Kyle Harrison

As Boston Red Sox fans continue to stare in horror at what has become of the Rafael Devers trade tree, Milwaukee Brewers fans can rejoice that the front office has acquired a left-handed starter for the rotation, and one who will not just help them out in 2026 alone.

Kyle Harrison arrives as the centerpiece of the Caleb Durbin trade, bringing some pitching depth to Milwaukee in exchange for basically the entire third base depth chart. The wisdom behind such a move has certainly been questioned by fans as they await some clarity on the third base situation, but there's no denying that Harrison brings pedigree and talent to the rotation mix.

Once one of the best prospects in all of baseball, Harrison has yet to rediscover his minor-league success at the big-league level. Still, he's managed a career 4.39 ERA in nearly 200 innings, a testament to his raw talent considering how many changes he's made to his arsenal and throwing motion over the years.

Still just 24 years old, can the southpaw crack the Opening Day rotation in Milwaukee?

Kyle Harrison faces uphill battle to win No. 5 starter role with Brewers, but his left-handedness will ultimately win him the job

Shane Drohan, a fellow lefty starter, was acquired alongside Harrison, but he's struggled with injuries and command concerns in recent years. Milwaukee may have designs on converting him into a reliever thanks to his elite strikeout rate. Regardless of what Drohan's role is in 2026, he's likely to start the season in Triple-A, leaving Harrison and Robert Gasser as the two most likely left-handed options for Milwaukee's Opening Day rotation.

As things stand, Brandon Woodruff is the de facto ace, with Quinn Priester serving as his workhorse apprentice. Those two will be counted on to anchor Pat Murphy's starting five throughout 2026 no matter what happens with the rest of the roster. Jacob Misiorowski is the next closest thing to a rotation lock, especially after his electrifying postseason performance, but fans might be quick to forget that his rotation spot was in question at the end of last season.

The fourth and fifth spots are where things get interesting. Chad Patrick, who posted a matching 3.53 ERA and FIP in his rookie season last year, feels like he's earned a spot in the Opening Day starting rotation. However, after displaying an elevated arsenal of pitches in a relief role down the stretch last year, Milwaukee may be considering adding him to their lefty-heavy bullpen.

Let's assume the Brewers do end up keeping Patrick in the rotation to start the year; that leaves just one spot for a number of candidates. Top prospect Logan Henderson was electric in his MLB debut last year, but he has just 25 innings of big-league experience. Fellow farmhand Brandon Sproat is just as tantalizing but also similarly green, with a mere 20 major-league frames to his name.

If Harrison is to crack the rotation, he'll have to beat out both of those two. He's got top prospect pedigree himself, but it's been some time since he was carving up hitters in the San Francisco Giants' system. By virtue of being a southpaw, he has an innate advantage. Handedness matters less for starting pitchers than relievers -- starters have to get everyone out -- but having one in your rotation does force opposing teams to make certain, potentially unfavorable lineup decisions every fifth day.

Right now, we'll give the upper-hand to the southpaw, but Harrison's addition has suddenly turned Milwaukee's final two rotation spots into one of the most fascinating spring training position battles in recent history — one which could decide the fate of the Brewers' season.