Brewers Spring Training Opens with Encouraging Signs from Woodruff, Chourio, and a Packed Promo Slate
Spring has officially arrived in Phoenix - at least if you ask the Milwaukee Brewers. While only pitchers and catchers were scheduled to report for the opening day of Spring Training, a number of position players have already made their way to American Family Fields, bringing early energy and optimism to camp.
And for a fanbase eager to turn the page to 2026, Day 1 brought plenty to smile about. From the sweet sound of Jackson Chourio’s bat to Brandon Woodruff’s return to the mound, and a promotional schedule that hits all the right nostalgic and fan-favorite notes, the Brew Crew wasted no time setting the tone.
Big Woo’s Back - and That’s Big News
Let’s start with the best kind of Spring Training video: a healthy Brandon Woodruff throwing a bullpen session.
After missing the end of the 2025 season with a right lat strain - separate from the shoulder surgery that sidelined him for a year and a half - seeing Woodruff back on the mound was a welcome sight. It’s only Day 1, sure, but watching the veteran righty go through his paces with no visible limitations was the kind of early reassurance Brewers fans needed.
Woodruff, now 33, had what the club described as a “normal offseason” - and that’s a big deal. After two straight winters spent rehabbing, being able to focus on a regular throwing program could be the key to keeping him healthy through the grind of 2026.
The Brewers are going to need him. With a rotation that skews young and lacks proven innings-eaters, Woodruff’s presence at the top of the staff isn’t just a luxury - it’s a necessity. If he can stay on the field, he gives Milwaukee a true anchor, both in performance and leadership.
Chourio’s Bat is Already in Midseason Form
If there’s one sound that can thaw even the coldest Midwestern February, it’s the crack of the bat - and Jackson Chourio delivered.
The Brewers’ social media team posted a video of the 21-year-old phenom taking batting practice, and the audio alone was enough to get fans fired up. Chourio’s swing is as quick and compact as ever, and the ball was jumping off his bat like it had somewhere to be.
It’s a small moment, sure, but in the early days of camp, these glimpses matter. They remind fans just how much raw talent is waiting to be unleashed. Chourio is expected to be a cornerstone of the Brewers’ future, and his early arrival - and early fireworks - are a great sign.
Promo Schedule Delivers Fan Favorites and Collector Gold
On top of the on-field action, the Brewers also dropped their 2026 promotional schedule, and let’s just say - they understood the assignment.
The headliners? Three bobbleheads that blend nostalgia, style, and a little bit of fire (literally). Brandon Woodruff, Jacob Misiorowski, and William Contreras are each getting the bobble treatment, but these aren’t your standard giveaways.
- Woodruff’s bobblehead pays tribute to his iconic 2018 NLCS home run off Clayton Kershaw - complete with helmet and bat. In today’s DH-era, a pitcher with a bat in his hands is already a throwback.
Add in the moment itself, and this one’s destined for collector status.
- Misiorowski’s version brings the heat - literally - with a flame motif that nods to his high-octane fastball and rising profile as one of the organization’s most electric arms.
- Contreras’ bobblehead captures his now-signature phone call celebration, a fan-favorite moment from last season that perfectly blends personality and performance.
And it doesn’t stop there. On August 8, the first 25,000 fans (21 and older) will receive a bar dice set, a nod to Wisconsin tavern culture that’s sure to be a hit. Other highlights include a replica Hank Aaron jersey, a windbreaker, and an Oktoberfest Alpine hat - all of which hit that sweet spot between wearable and collectible.
Murphy’s Message: Be Yourself, Compete Like Crazy
Brewers second baseman Brice Turang joined MLB Network to offer some insight into the clubhouse mentality heading into 2026. Turang, who earned Platinum Glove honors last year, said the message from manager Pat Murphy has been consistent: “Be yourself, go out there and compete, win every pitch.”
Simple, but powerful.
Murphy’s approach isn’t about trying to mold players into something they’re not - it’s about helping them lean into who they are and play with confidence. That mindset has been especially impactful for young players like Turang and Chourio, who’ve had to navigate the learning curve of the big leagues. It’s also helped veterans like Andrew Vaughn rediscover their groove after hitting some bumps in the road.
It’s clear that Murphy is building a culture rooted in authenticity and competitiveness - and as this team blends a young core with veteran leadership, that tone could make all the difference.
The Takeaway
It’s early, and there’s a long way to go before Opening Day. But the Brewers are wasting no time setting the stage for what could be a pivotal 2026 season.
Woodruff looks healthy. Chourio looks dangerous.
The clubhouse has a clear identity. And the fans?
They’ve got a promo schedule worth lining up for.
Spring Training is all about optimism - and in Milwaukee, there’s plenty to go around.