Milwaukee Brewers Sign Jacob Hurtubise to Minor League Contract

The Milwaukee Brewers just picked up outfielder Jacob Hurtubise on a minor-league deal, sending him to Triple-A Nashville. This move bolsters the club’s outfield depth and gives them a low-risk, upside-driven option as they juggle a packed roster behind their main starters.

The signing doesn’t come with a big-league spring training invite. Hurtubise, a veteran of the upper minors, has his sights set on returning to the majors—maybe even hoping to prove something to an NL Central rival.

Brewers Sign Outfielder Hurtubise to Minor-League Deal

Hurtubise, now 28, joins Milwaukee after winding his way through Cincinnati, Seattle, and Houston. He started as an undrafted free agent with the Reds in 2020 and has played 41 MLB games, all with Cincinnati over the last two seasons.

The Reds designated him for assignment in June. Seattle then claimed him, but he was outrighted and released in July, then landed a minor-league deal with Houston before they let him go in September.

With the Brewers, Hurtubise enters a crowded outfield group that’s always bracing for changes from trades or injuries. Milwaukee still leans on Jackson Chourio, Garrett Mitchell, and Sal Frelick as their main trio.

Blake Perkins is the steady fourth outfielder. Behind them, Akil Baddoo, Brandon Lockridge, and Greg Jones are all in the mix, making the bench situation pretty competitive.

Hurtubise has a minor-league option left, but his main spot is just one outfield position. That might hold him back from a big-league role, since Milwaukee likes bench guys who can move around the diamond.

Still, his speed and baserunning jump off the page. The Brewers value versatility, but they also appreciate players who can make things happen on the bases.

Hurtubise’s Profile and Career Arc

Hurtubise’s big-league experience sits at 41 games, all with Cincinnati. He’s hit just .167/.291/.212 in 83 plate appearances, so the opportunities have been limited.

Even so, he’s shown enough tools—especially speed—to keep teams interested in him as a bench option. His minor-league numbers tell a fuller story.

In the minors, he’s got real speed and base-stealing chops. He’s swiped 130 bases in 153 tries, which is impressive by any standard.

His Triple-A line sits at .260/.411/.324 over 576 plate appearances. The on-base skills and speed are there, even if he’s not a power threat.

Impact on Brewers’ Outfield Depth

This signing puts another experienced player in the race for bench spots and minor-league depth. Milwaukee’s outfield, always tested by injuries and trades, benefits from having Hurtubise as a non-roster option who can step in if needed.

• Outfield roster dynamics: He joins Chourio, Mitchell, Frelick, Perkins, Baddoo, Lockridge, and Jones—so yeah, it’s a crowded group where versatility, speed, and hitting all matter.
• Versatility vs. specialization: While Hurtubise brings speed and outfield coverage, his focus on just one spot could push the Brewers toward players who can fill more roles.
• Strategic value: Having minor-league depth with a proven history of swiping bags can pay off, especially when a short-term call-up is needed in a league that values speed and putting pressure on the defense.

What to Watch as Spring Training Approaches

Spring Training is going to be a real test for Hurtubise and the other non-roster hopefuls. Brewers fans should keep an eye on how he fits into the team’s defensive alignments.

It’s also worth watching whether his baserunning instincts actually turn into stolen bases during Cactus League and minor-league games. If injuries pop up or a spot suddenly opens, Hurtubise might use his minor-league option and speed to grab a mid-season role in Milwaukee’s lineup or maybe just a bench spot down the stretch.

 
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