Brewers Spring Training Preview: A Jump to New Heights?
February 25, 2025
Even when faced with great adversity, the Milwaukee Brewers have stepped up to the plate and dominated their division. The team originally struggled with its pitching staff. Corbin Burnes was traded to Baltimore before the season, and two-time All-Star Brandon Woodruff had right shoulder surgery in October 2023 and missed the entire 2024 season.
The 2024 season was on the right track for the Brewers, as they put together another strong regular-season run, winning more than 90 games for the third time in four seasons. Now, they are hoping to have their foundational players back in the lineup to give it another shot.
They’ve made the playoffs in six of the past seven seasons, winning four NL Central titles. Preceding 2017, Milwaukee had made the playoffs just four times in its entire history dating back to 1969.
All eyes are on the return of outfielder Christian Yelich and right-handed pitcher Brandon Woodruff as the team hopes to reach new heights with their cornerstone players back in the lineup and latest addition, left-handed pitcher Nestor Cortes.
2024 record: 93-69 (First, NL Central)
Last Postseason Appearance: 2024 (lost Wild Card 2-1 to the New York Mets)
What Happened in 2024: Last year, the Brewers made it to the NL Wild Card but fell just short of the NLDS after a 4-2 loss to the New York Mets, during which Pete Alonso hit a three-run home run off right-handed pitcher Devin Williams. In August, the Brewers suffered a major setback when Yelich had to undergo season-ending back surgery.
At the time, Yelich was leading the National League in batting average (.315) and on-base percentage (.406), making his absence a huge blow for the 59-43 Brewers.
Despite these challenges, the Brewers still managed an incredible year, finishing 93-69 to capture another NL Central crown. They were five games short of tying the best record in the National League.
New Arrivals
- LHP Nestor Cortes (New York Yankees)
- RHP Elvin Rodriguez (Tampa Bay Rays)
- LHP Grant Wolfram (free agent)
- RHP Grant Anderson (Texas Rangers)
- Tyler Alexander (Tampa Bay Rays)
Key Departures
- RHP Devin Williams (trade to New York Yankees)
- SS Willy Adames (San Francisco Giants)
- RHP Colin Rea (Chicago Cubs)
Projected Batting Order*
- RF Jackson Chourio
- DH Christian Yelich
- C William Contreras
- CF Garrett Mitchell
- 1B Rhys Hoskins
- 2B Brice Turang
- 3B Oliver Dunn
- SS Joey Ortiz
- LF Sal Frelick
Projected Rotation*
- Freddy Peralta (RHP)
- Tobias Meyer (RHP)
- Nestor Cortes (LHP)
- Aaron Civale (RHP)
- Aaron Ashby (LHP)
Projected Bullpen*
- Mid-Relief: Bryan Hudson (LHP), Nick Mears (RHP), Elvis Peguero (RHP), Tyler Alexander (LHP)
- Long-Relief: Connor Thomas (LHP)
- Set-Up: Jared Koenig (LHP), Joel Payamps (RHP)
- Closer: Trevor Megill (RHP)
Biggest Question: Will Brandon Woodruff meet expectations as Milwaukee’s ace?
Woodruff has a 3.10 career ERA over seven seasons. If he’s healthy and pitching to his usual standard, he’ll waste no time reclaiming the top spot in the rotation.
Team MVP: Freddy Peralta
He has established himself as one of the team’s best pitchers, posting a 3.68 ERA and striking out 200 batters in 173.1 innings. The movement on his slider is unlike anyone else’s, and his ability to locate it anywhere in the strike zone at high velocity makes him a rare asset in today’s game. Throughout his career, he has averaged a 3.79 ERA, showcasing his dominance on the mound and signaling great potential for the upcoming season.
Breakout Candidate: Garrett Mitchell
The center fielder is entering his fourth season, yet he has played only 116 games over the past three years. Last season, he appeared in just 69 games and logged 196 at-bats, posting a .264 batting average, 8 home runs and a .342 on-base percentage. There’s no question Mitchell is a phenomenal defender, and if he stays healthy this year, he will have the opportunity for regular playing time as Yelich eases his way back. During his rookie season, Mitchell had the fastest recorded home-to-first sprint speed in all of the major leagues: 4.01 seconds. His speed and athleticism could earn him a leadoff spot in the batting order, giving him more at-bats and fielding opportunities. During his rookie season, Mitchell had the fastest recorded home-to-first sprint speed in all of the major leagues: 4.01
Key Stat: 53
Milwaukee tied the Cleveland Guardians for the second-most saves in the major leagues last season with 53. After trading away their star closer, Devin Williams, the Brewers must now adjust their bullpen and find a new go-to closer.
2025 Will Be Successful If… the Brewers can keep their cornerstone players healthy.
Milwaukee proved it doesn’t need its brightest stars to have a strong regular season, finishing first in the NL Central in the 2024 season. However, having those key players return to health would add an extra layer of security to the active roster, and possibly support greater postseason success.
2025 Prediction: Second in NL Central, Playoff Berth
After trading away Williams — one of the best closers in the majors — and losing star shortstop Willy Adames to free agency, the big question is whether any players can step up to fill those roles. With Woodruff returning, the Brewers must decide how their new starting rotation will shape up with Cortes in the mix. Yelich’s return provides more offensive firepower, although he is unlikely to see much time in the field this regular season. This team could post a similar record to last year’s 93-win team.
FanGraphs’ Projection: 81-81
Baseball Prospectus: 80-82
*Projections were pulled from FanGraphs as of Feb. 24
Posted: February 25, 2025
Category: Cactus League, Milwaukee Brewers
Tagged as: Brandon Woodruff, Brewers, Freddy Peralta, Garrett Mitchell, Mets, Milwaukee Brewers, MLB, MLB Spring Training, Rhys Hoskins, Spring Training, Trevor Megill, William Contreras
