As the Milwaukee Brewers gear up for the 2026 season, they're looking to build on last year’s impressive run. Securing their third straight division title and making it to the NLCS, the Brewers have set a high bar.
But with every new season comes fresh challenges, and the Brewers will need to address these if they want to capture their first World Series title. Let’s dive into two areas where they could see improvement and one potential stumbling block.
Revving Up the Base Paths
The Brewers have been a force on the base paths, leading the National League in steals last year with 164. But they’re aiming to push those numbers even higher, potentially returning to the 200-steal mark they nearly hit in 2024.
With Brice Turang and Jackson Chourio leading the charge, and speedsters like Sal Frelick and Christian Yelich in the mix, the Brewers’ lineup is primed for theft. The addition of David Hamilton only adds more fuel to their speed game.
If they can stay healthy and aggressive, surpassing 200 steals is a realistic goal.
Pitching Inexperience: A Double-Edged Sword
Last season, injuries forced the Brewers to shuffle their starting rotation, resulting in the fifth-fewest innings pitched by starters across the league. While the Dodgers showed that a strong bullpen can compensate for a light workload from starters, the Brewers hope to avoid a repeat.
However, with young pitchers likely hitting career-high innings, managing workloads will be crucial. Pat Murphy has navigated these waters before, but the challenge will be maintaining consistency and health in the rotation.
Power Surge on the Horizon
The Brewers have been successful without leaning heavily on home runs, but 2026 might see a shift. With Chourio maturing, Turang finding his power, Yelich back in form, and William Contreras overcoming past injuries, the team is poised to see an uptick in homers.
Add Andrew Vaughn’s potential for a full season, and Milwaukee could eclipse the 200-homer mark for the first time since 2022. This power boost would add another layer to their already dynamic offense.
As the Brewers set their sights on the upcoming season, the blend of speed, strategic pitching management, and increased power could be the key to breaking through and finally securing that elusive World Series title.