The Milwaukee Brewers have made a decisive move to secure their future by extending the contract of NL Manager of the Year, Pat Murphy. With a fresh three-year deal and an option for a fourth, Murphy's leadership is locked in through at least 2028. This extension not only solidifies his role but also places him among the top earners in managerial ranks.
Now that Murphy's future is settled, the Brewers can turn their attention back to the field as Spring Training kicks into gear. With roster battles heating up, let's explore how the Brewers' lineup might shape up for Opening Day against the Chicago White Sox on March 26.
Projected Brewers 2026 Opening Day Lineup
- Jackson Chourio - LF
- Brice Turang - 2B
- William Contreras - C
- Christian Yelich - DH
- Andrew Vaughn - 1B
- Sal Frelick - RF
- Luis Rengifo - 3B
- Garrett Mitchell - CF
- Joey Ortiz - SS
This lineup reflects a blend of consistency and strategic changes. Luis Rengifo steps in at third base, replacing Caleb Durbin, while Garrett Mitchell returns to center field, a spot where he's thrived under Murphy's guidance. If health remains on his side, Mitchell's defensive prowess makes him a natural choice for center, allowing Chourio to take on left field duties and Frelick to hold down right.
A missing piece in this projection is top prospect Jett Williams. While there's a temptation to slot him in at shortstop over Joey Ortiz, the Brewers might choose to give him more seasoning in the minors. This approach allows them to evaluate his best fit for the team at the major league level.
Alternatively, if the Brewers decide to capitalize on Williams' prospect promotion incentive eligibility, he could make the Opening Day roster. In that case, Williams might step in at shortstop or even third base, depending on his performance in Spring Training.
With these elements in place, the Brewers are poised for an intriguing season under Murphy's seasoned leadership. As the countdown to Opening Day continues, fans can look forward to seeing how these dynamics play out on the field.