Brewers Eye Rare Four-Peat as Spring Training Nears
The Milwaukee Brewers are heading into spring training with a shot at something no team in National League Central history has ever done: win four straight division titles. That’s right-since the division was formed during MLB’s 1994 realignment, not a single club has pulled off a four-peat. The Brewers now stand on the doorstep of that milestone, and they’re bringing back a roster that looks ready to make a serious run at it.
Milwaukee is coming off a franchise-best 97-win regular season and a trip to the National League Championship Series, where they were ultimately swept by the Dodgers. But don’t let that ending overshadow the fact that this team was one of the most complete in baseball last year.
And the best part for Brewers fans? Nearly everyone is back.
Pitching, Defense, and… Can the Bats Keep Up?
The Brewers’ identity hasn’t changed much: elite pitching, rock-solid defense, and a lineup that found ways to get the job done in 2025. The rotation remains a strength, the bullpen is deep, and the gloves behind them are dependable. The big question heading into 2026 is whether the offense can keep pace with last year’s production-especially since Milwaukee didn’t make any splashy additions at the plate over the winter.
That puts pressure on internal growth and consistency. Can last year’s breakout hitters sustain their level?
Can others step up to fill any gaps? Those are the storylines to watch as camp opens.
The Central Is No Cakewalk This Year
If Milwaukee wants to make history, they’ll have to earn it the hard way. The NL Central is shaping up to be a far tougher division than it’s been in recent years.
The Cubs, who the Brewers knocked out in five games during last year’s NLDS, lost Kyle Tucker in free agency, but they didn’t sit idle. They signed Alex Bregman to a five-year, $175 million deal, traded for Marlins right-hander Edward Cabrera, and will get ace Justin Steele back early in the season after Tommy John surgery. That’s a serious reload.
Then there’s Cincinnati. The Reds are coming off their first playoff appearance since 2020 and boast one of the best starting rotations in the league. They’re young, talented, and hungry.
Even the Pirates, who’ve been stuck in rebuild mode for years, made some noise this offseason. They added Brandon Lowe and Ryan O’Hearn to help jumpstart an offense that’s lagged behind their impressive pitching staff-led by reigning NL Cy Young winner Paul Skenes.
The only team expected to take a step back? The Cardinals, who are in the early stages of a full-scale rebuild.
Spring Training Schedule: Key Dates for Brewers Fans
Here’s what you need to know as the Brewers gear up for 2026:
- Pitchers and catchers report to Maryvale on Wednesday, Feb. 11, with their first workout the following day.
- Position players report by Monday, Feb. 16, though most tend to arrive early.
- The first full-squad workout is set for Tuesday, Feb. 17.
- Cactus League play begins on Saturday, Feb. 21, when the Brewers host a split-squad Cleveland Guardians team at American Family Fields of Phoenix. First pitch is at **2:10 p.m.
CT**.
With the World Baseball Classic taking place in March, Brewers players participating in the tournament will report a bit earlier to get ready.
Mark Your Calendars: Spring Highlights
- March 3 - Brewers host Team Great Britain in a WBC warmup at 2:10 p.m. CT
- March 5-17 - World Baseball Classic action kicks off. Team USA is in Pool B with Brazil, Great Britain, Italy, and Mexico, playing out of Houston.
- March 20 - Brewers prospects take on Mariners prospects in the Spring Breakout showcase at **4:10 p.m. **
- March 22 - Final Cactus League game vs. the Cubs at Sloan Park (2:10 p.m.), plus a Spring Breakout game vs. A’s prospects (3:05 p.m. in Mesa)
- March 23 & 24 - Brewers return home to Milwaukee for two exhibition games against the Reds at American Family Field (6:40 p.m. and 4:10 p.m., respectively)
Broadcast Info Still to Come
The Brewers haven’t released their full spring broadcast schedule yet, but it’s expected soon. This season, MLB will handle TV broadcasts rather than FanDuel. Historically, several spring games have been televised and most have been available via radio or streamed online through Brewers.com.
Opening Day on the Horizon
The 2026 regular season kicks off on Thursday, March 26, when the Brewers host the Chicago White Sox at 1:10 p.m. CT.
After a day off, the series continues on Saturday, March 28 at 6:10 p.m., and wraps up Sunday, March 29 at **1:10 p.m. **
The pieces are in place. The roster is mostly intact.
The path to a historic fourth straight division title won’t be easy, but it’s there for the taking. Spring training is right around the corner, and for the Brewers, the chase for history starts now.