The Milwaukee Brewers had a standout season last year, setting a franchise record with 97 wins. While their pitching staff rightly garnered much of the spotlight, the offense also thrived thanks to some unexpected heroes.
Andrew Vaughn, for instance, was an unheralded addition, arriving from the Chicago White Sox's minor league system. Once he joined the Brewers, Vaughn hit over .300 and belted nine home runs, proving to be a pivotal mid-season acquisition.
Christian Yelich also returned to form, smashing 29 home runs and driving in 103 runs, numbers he hadn't reached since 2019. His resurgence was a key factor in the Brewers' success.
Looking ahead, Milwaukee aims to push deeper into the MLB Playoffs, and they'll need continued contributions from within their roster. One player to watch is Sal Frelick, highlighted by Bleacher Report's Joel Reuter as a breakout candidate for 2026.
Frelick, who followed a similar development path as teammate Brice Turang, transformed from a defense-first player into a well-rounded contributor. The former first-round pick is now eyeing his first All-Star appearance and is poised to become a cornerstone of the Brewers' future.
Frelick's growth is evident in his stats. Over his first three Major League seasons, he posted a .255/.326/.339 line with five home runs, 56 RBIs, and 25 stolen bases.
However, in 2025 alone, he improved significantly, hitting .288/.351/.405 with 12 home runs, 63 RBIs, and 19 stolen bases. This leap in production more than doubled his career home run and RBI totals in just one season.
If Frelick continues his upward trajectory in 2026, the Brewers might want to lock him into a long-term contract, solidifying his role as a key player in their lineup. His potential emergence as a top outfielder could be a game-changer for Milwaukee's playoff aspirations.