Brewers' Outfield Battle Takes a Turn: Baddoo's Injury Alters Opening Day Plans
As the Milwaukee Brewers gear up for the 2026 season, several position battles are heating up, none more intriguing than the fight for the fourth outfielder spot. While the trio of Jackson Chourio, Sal Frelick, and Garrett Mitchell seem poised to start, the competition for the backup role has taken an unexpected turn.
Blake Perkins, Brandon Lockridge, and Akil Baddoo have all thrown their hats in the ring, each bringing their own MLB experience to the table. Perkins, the incumbent, might have been the early favorite, but his Spring Training performance has left the door wide open.
Despite a respectable .333/.409/.389 slash line, Lockridge and Baddoo have outshone him. Lockridge boasts a scorching 1.287 OPS with two homers, while Baddoo has been making plenty of noise with an .848 OPS and some impressive contact.
However, the race has shifted dramatically. Akil Baddoo, a key offseason acquisition for the Brewers, suffered a left quad strain during a game against the Dodgers. This injury, reported by MLB.com's Adam McCalvy, likely sidelines Baddoo from Opening Day contention.
Baddoo, who signed a split contract with the Brewers after a standout season with the Tigers' Triple-A team, was eager to make his mark in Milwaukee. Known for his power-speed combo, he was 2-for-2 in stolen base attempts this spring, showcasing skills that are highly valued in today's game.
While the full extent of Baddoo's injury remains unclear, it's expected that he will start the season on the Triple-A roster. This setback is undoubtedly frustrating for a player who was off to a hot start, but it shouldn't significantly impact his regular season.
As the Brewers continue to finalize their roster, this unexpected twist in the outfield battle adds a layer of complexity. Fans will be watching closely to see how this competition unfolds in the final weeks of Spring Training.