Milwaukee Brewers News

The Milwaukee Brewers signed free-agent catcher Reese McGuire to a minor-league contract on Wednesday that includes an invitation to major-league spring training, according to Adam McCalvy of MLB.com. McGuire will stay in the National League Central in 2026 after slashing .226/.245/.444 with a .688 OPS, career-high nine home runs, and 24 RBI in 44 games with the Chicago Cubs. The 30-year-old backstop hasn't exactly panned out in his eight big-league seasons after the Pittsburgh Pirates took him in the first round (14th overall) back in 2013 out of high school. In 399 career games at the major-league level, the left-handed hitter has a .248/.293/.374 slash line with 25 homers, 106 RBI, and 110 runs scored. McGuire should be expected to serve as Milwaukee's backup catcher behind All-Star William Contreras, giving him little fantasy appeal.

The Milwaukee Brewers have invited recently acquired infield prospect Jett Williams to big-league spring training. Williams was sent to Milwaukee alongside right-hander Brandon Sproat in the deal that sent right-hander Freddy Peralta to New York. Williams was viewed as the top prospect in the Mets system prior to the trade and now sits as the No. 3 prospect in Milwaukee (on MLB.com), trailing only Jesus Made and Luis Pena. Last season, Williams began the campaign with Double-A, where he posted a strong .281/.390/.477 slash line with 29 doubles, 10 home runs, 32 stolen bases. He was then promoted to Triple-A Syracuse, where he took a slight step back, carrying a lower .209/.285/.433 line with seven long balls across a 34-game stint. Managers should expect Williams to open the season at Triple-A but should be in contention for an early MLB debut, especially if Joey Ortiz continues to struggle in the batter's box.

The Milwaukee Brewers have invited shortstop prospect Cooper Pratt to big-league camp. Pratt is currently considered the No. 53 overall prospect on MLB.com and the No. 3-ranked prospect in the Milwaukee system. Pratt joined the Brewers in the sixth round of the 2023 MLB Draft but has progressed through the minor leagues fairly quickly. After a brief stint in the Arizona Complex League in 2023, Pratt would spend the 2024 season with Low-A and High-A. Through 96 games, Pratt posted a .277/.362/.406 line with 15 doubles, eight home runs, and 25 stolen bases. In 2025, the Magnolia Heights HS product would spend the entire season with Double-A Biloxi, where he posted a .238/.343/.348 line with eight home runs and 31 stolen bases. Managers should closely monitor his development in camp, as he could begin the season at Triple-A.

Milwaukee Brewers top prospect Jesus Made is being invited to big-league spring training. The 18-year-old shortstop is currently viewed as the No. 4-ranked overall prospect in the entire sport on MLB.com. He made his professional debut in 2024 in the Dominican Summer League and held a .331/.458/.554 with a strong 1.012 OPS. In 2025, Made began the season in Low-A but quickly progressed through the Milwaukee system, finishing the season in Double-A. Across 83 games with Low-A, Made posted a solid .267/.373/.388 line with four home runs and 40 stolen bases. Through 32 games split between High-A and Double-A, Made took his level of play even higher, carrying an elite .331/.392/.474 line. While a 2026 MLB debut is unlikely, if he continues this current trajectory, he could make a strong case in the second half.

Milwaukee Brewers prospect Jett Williams "indicated that shortstop will be his focus heading into spring training," according to Todd Rosiak of the Milwaukee Journal Sentinel. Williams came up through the Mets' system as a talented defender capable of playing anywhere up the middle, and while he won't abandon second base or center field reps with his new team, it sounds like shortstop will be the emphasis. The 22-year-old was shipped from New York to Milwaukee in last week's Freddy Peralta trade, and he should make his MLB debut in 2026 after playing 34 games at Triple-A last year. In Syracuse, he slashed .209/.285/.433 with seven homers, a 9.3% walk rate, a 23.2% strikeout rate, and 81 wRC+. The underlying offensive metrics could have been better, but his rare blend of power and speed fit the Brewers' philosophy while offering fantasy appeal.

According to Will Sammon and Chad Jennings of The Athletic, Milwaukee Brewers left-handed pitcher Robert Gasser could be a name to watch to earn a role in the starting rotation. On Wednesday evening, the Brewers traded their top pitcher, Freddy Peralta, to the New York Mets in exchange for two top prospects, Brandon Sproat and Jett Williams. While veteran Brandon Woodruff is expected to lead the rotation with emerging right-hander Jacob Misiorowski slotting behind him, the back of the rotation is open. Quinn Priester and Chad Patrick are projected to operate as the No. 3 and No. 4, but Gasser could be a name to watch for one of the final positions. The young southpaw has made seven MLB starts over his career and logged 33 2/3 innings to the tune of a 2.67 ERA and a 1.13 WHIP. Through 205 2/3 innings at Triple-A, Gasser has struck out 250 hitters with a 3.72 ERA. While Logan Henderson would likely have the edge for the final position, Gasser could make a strong claim to operate as the No. 6 starter if the team uses a six-man rotation. He is a name to monitor in spring training and could be worth a late-round selection in deeper formats.

Milwaukee Brewers starting pitcher Brandon Woodruff (lat) is having a normal offseason, and his progress was a critical element to the team trading starting pitcher Freddy Peralta to the Mets, according to president of baseball operations Matt Arnold. Woodruff opted out of his deal but then accepted the qualifying offer from the Brewers this offseason, giving him a one-year deal worth $22.025 million. Woodruff returned from a nearly two-year absence due to shoulder surgery in 2025, posting a strong 3.20 ERA, with 83 strikeouts and just 14 walks in 64 2/3 innings. His season ended early due to a lat injury in mid-September, but he should be ready to go for Spring Training. He'll provide a proven veteran option at the top of the team's promising young rotation.

The Milwaukee Brewers have acquired starting pitching prospect Brandon Sproat from the New York Mets in a four-player trade, according to Jeff Passan of ESPN.com. Starter Freddy Peralta and reliever Tobias Myers are headed to the Mets, while Sproat joins shortstop prospect Jett Williams in the package headed back to Milwaukee. Sproat is 25 years old and was the Mets' second-round pick in 2023. The University of Florida product spent most of last season at Triple-A, but he did make his MLB debut and found himself starting four games for the big-league club. Over those four starts, he posted a 2.80 FIP with 7.4 K/9 and 3.1 BB/9. He enjoyed similar success over a larger sample size at Triple-A -- including 8.4 K/9, 3.9 BB/9, and an impressive 53.2% ground ball rate -- but his FIP was markedly higher (4.18). Sproat has always been a starter in pro baseball, and while the Mets reportedly floated the idea of using him as a multi-inning reliever in 2026, the Brewers' willingness to acquire him in this trade indicates that Milwaukee likely plans to insert him into its rotation. After all, they have a spot to fill after shipping Peralta away. Before Wednesday's trade, Sproat ranked as the #141 starting pitcher in RotoBaller's fantasy baseball draft rankings for 2026.

The Milwaukee Brewers have acquired shortstop prospect Jett Williams from the New York Mets in a four-player trade, according to Jeff Passan of ESPN.com. Starter Freddy Peralta and reliever Tobias Myers are headed to the Mets, while Williams joins starting pitching prospect Brandon Sproat in the package headed back to Milwaukee. Williams is 22 years old and was the Mets' first-round pick in 2022. He spent last season in Double-A and Triple-A, and he struggled adjusting to Triple-A pitching. Through 34 games there, he slashed .209/.285/.433 with a 9.3% walk rate and 23.2% strikeout rate. Still, he finished the year with an overall 136 wRC+ thanks to the success he had at Double-A. The 5-foot-7 infielder finished the 2025 minor league season with 17 home runs and 34 stolen bases. FanGraphs grades Williams' future value at a 50, with speed and power being his best attributes. Although he primarily plays shortstop, he offers defensive versatility with significant experience at second base and in center field. Prior to the trade, FanGraphs projected that he would make his MLB debut in 2026.

The Los Angeles Dodgers have continued to show serious interest in acquiring right-handed pitcher Freddy Peralta from the Milwaukee Brewers. The Dodgers have had a productive offseason, bringing in top closer Edwin Diaz and star outfielder Kyle Tucker. However, they are still looking to improve their roster, especially their rotation. According to Kate Woo of The Athletic, the Dodgers are targeting Peralta to further protect their rotation, given the extensive injury history many of their pitchers have had. This past season, Blake Snell, Roki Sasaki, and Tyler Glasnow all spent ample time on the injured list. Peralta enjoyed a strong showing in 2025, logging 176 2/3 innings with a 2.70 ERA, 1.08 WHIP, and a 104:66 K:BB. If Peralta were to join Los Angeles, he could push either Emmet Sheehan or Sasaki to a long relief role to open the season.

Milwaukee Brewers right-handed pitching prospect Logan Henderson looked quite comfortable in his first taste of the majors last season and appears primed to take on a large role in 2026. Through his first 25 1/3 innings with the Brewers (five starts), the former fourth-round pick posted an elite 1.78 ERA with a 0.99 WHIP. Henderson struck out 33 batters and allowed free passes at an 8.1% rate. He generated a strong 32.8% hard-hit rate and a 32.6% chase rate, suggesting his strikeout totals should remain high over a full season. However, the right-hander saw his workload closely monitored and dealt with injuries and was eventually shut down with a flexor strain in the second half. Fortunately, he is not expected to face any limitations in spring training. With Freddy Peralta's name in many trade discussions, Henderson appears poised not only for a spot in the rotation but also to take on a significant role in the pitching staff in the upcoming season.

According to Jon Heyman, the Milwaukee Brewers are still fielding offers on right-handed starter Freddy Peralta. The stud pitcher is reportedly drawing interest from the Yankees, Mets, Dodgers, Giants, and Braves. Peralta is extremely valuable right now, given he's only due $8 million for the upcoming 2026 season. That's a steal for the kind of production Peralta has been giving on the mound lately. The 29-year-old is set to become a free agent after the 2026 season, which makes him a prime trade candidate. We've seen the Brewers trade their star players in contract years many times in the past. This very well could be a storyline throughout the season, assuming a deal doesn't get finalized before the season begins.

According to Ken Rosenthal and Will Sammon of The Athletic, the New York Mets appear to be the favorite to land Milwaukee Brewers starting pitcher Freddy Peralta in a trade. However, Rosenthal and Sammon noted that they would be able to acquire him without moving top pitching prospect Nolan McLean. Instead, they could look to move one of Brandon Sproat, Jonah Tong, or Christian Scott. McLean made his MLB debut last summer and was one of the biggest risers in terms of prospects. McLean was sharp over his brief 48-inning taste of the majors, posting a 2.06 ERA with a 1.04 WHIP. He struck out 30.3% of the batters he faced and allowed walks at an 8.5% rate. In 87 1/3 innings at Triple-A, McLean posted a 2.78 ERA with 97 punchouts. Given his expected role in the MLB rotation, McLean is worth viewing as a solid SP3 in all formats in 2026.

According to Ken Rosenthal and Will Sammon, the New York Mets remain in "pole position" to acquire Brewers right-hander Freddy Peralta. Rosenthal and Sammon reported that while many teams remain in the mix for Milwaukee's top pitcher, the Mets could complete the trade without moving their top young pitcher, Nolan McLean. Instead, they could look to trade Jonah Tong, Christian Scott, or Brandon Sproat to acquire the 29-year-old. Peralta enjoyed a career season in 2025, logging 176 2/3 innings to the tune of a 2.70 ERA and a 1.08 WHIP. He picked up 17 wins, pitching for the NL Central Champions, and struck out 204 batters. If he were to join the Mets, Peralta would likely operate as their ace and carry solid SP2/high-end SP3 upside in all fantasy formats.

According to Jon Heyman of the New York Post, Milwaukee Brewers right-hander Freddy Peralta remains a top option for the Yankees if they were looking to bolster their rotation. The Yankees were heavily linked to Marlins right-hander Edward Cabrera before he was dealt to the Chicago Cubs earlier in the week. However, Heyman noted that despite coming up short in that bidding war, the Yankees remain interested in Peralta and Nationals southpaw MacKenzie Gore. Last summer, Peralta turned in his best season as a major leaguer, serving as the ace for the NL Central-winning Brewers. Across a career-high 176 2/3 innings, Peralta posted a 2.70 ERA with a stellar 1.08 WHIP. He struck out 204 hitters but struggled with his command, allowing walks at a modest 9.1% rate. Peralta carries high-end SP3 upside heading into the 2026 season.

Catcher William Contreras (finger) and the Milwaukee Brewers were unable to agree on a contract for 2026, and Contreras is now likely headed for an arbitration hearing, according to MLB insider Mark Feinsand. Contreras played through a broken left middle finger for the entire 2025 season and underwent surgery to repair it in November. Despite the injury, the 28-year-old backstop slashed .260/.355/.399 with 17 home runs, 76 RBI, 89 runs scored, and six stolen bases. Contreras is expected to be a full participant in spring training, and if he can stay healthy, he has the upside to be the No. 1 catcher in fantasy for 2026. He should be drafted as a top-four catcher in all fantasy drafts.

The trade market for Milwaukee Brewers starting pitcher Freddy Peralta is heating up, with the Dodgers, Braves, Red Sox, and both New York clubs among the teams showing interest, according to Ken Rosenthal and Will Sammon of The Athletic. Teams with lower payrolls are also in play to absorb his $8 million salary in the final year of his club-controlled contract. Even with the 29-year-old starter under club control for one more season, the Brewers' asking price remains high, as they are targeting a major-league-ready starting pitcher as part of the return so that Milwaukee can stay in win-now mode. Peralta is coming off a terrific 2025 campaign, throwing a career-high 176 2/3 innings with a 2.70 ERA, 1.08 WHIP, and a 19.1% K-BB%. While no deal appears imminent, multiple teams are actively pursuing him, and a trade could materialize sooner rather than later.

The Milwaukee Brewers acquired left-hander Angel Zerpa from the Kansas City Royals on Saturday in exchange for outfielder Isaac Collins and right-handed reliever Nick Mears. Brewers general manager Matt Arnold said that the team is open to looking at Zerpa as a starter. "He's somebody we've been trying to access for a long time," Arnold said. The 26-year-old Venezuelan southpaw was a starter in the minors, but he was a reliever in KC the last two years, posting a 4.03 ERA and 1.41 WHIP with 107 strikeouts and 41 walks in 118 1/3 innings over his 129 outings (two starts). At best, Zerpa is just a name to file away and watch during spring training if Milwaukee indeed stretches him out as a starter. If Zerpa is a full-time starter in 2026 with the Brewers, he'll most likely be on an innings cap after spending the last two years as a full-time reliever.

The Milwaukee Brewers have signed infielder/outfielder Greg Jones to a minor-league deal with an invite to spring training, according to Todd Rosiak of the Milwaukee Journal Sentinel. Jones, 27, is a switch-hitter who has spent nearly his entire professional career in the minors. Over six minor-league seasons, he has tallied 51 home runs, 172 stolen bases, and a .262/.346/.434 slash line across 1,677 plate appearances. He has appeared in the majors only briefly, totaling eight plate appearances. The Brewers are taking a look at Jones because of his athleticism and defensive versatility, particularly his ability to handle the outfield. While he's unlikely to break camp with the major-league club, it's hard not to root for a player who has worked this long and this hard to reach the Show.

Free-agent outfielder Akil Baddoo has agreed to a one-year deal with the Milwaukee Brewers, according to Todd Rosiak of the Milwaukee Journal Sentinel. Baddoo appeared in only seven games for the Detroit Tigers last season, slashing .118/.167/.176 with no home runs and a -8 wRC+. He has yet to recapture the promise he showed during his 2021 rookie campaign, when he posted a 108 wRC+ with 13 homers and 18 steals. For Milwaukee, Baddoo is far from a lock to make the roster out of Spring Training, but his athleticism keeps him on the radar as a potential early-season watch-list candidate.