Brewers Final Roster Battle: Who Lands the Last Spot?

The Milwaukee Brewers are almost done shaping their opening-day roster. Only one position-player spot remains up for grabs.

They’ve already locked in a strong core of veterans and rising stars. Catchers William Contreras and Gary Sánchez, first basemen Andrew Vaughn and Jake Bauers, infielders Brice Turang, Joey Ortiz, Luis Rengifo, and utility man David Hamilton are all set.

The outfield group is deep, led by Jackson Chourio, Sal Frelick, Garrett Mitchell, and Christian Yelich. Now, the final decision centers on four 40-man roster candidates vying for the 13th-man role.

Milwaukee wants to balance immediate big-league value with long-term depth. It’s a tricky spot, honestly.

What’s at stake in Milwaukee’s final roster decision

The Brewers need a versatile, cost-efficient option who can handle spot starts, pinch-hitting, and late-inning defensive work. Spring performance, minor-league options, and April matchup needs all play a role.

The pool of contenders is small but intriguing. Whoever gets the nod could shape how Milwaukee uses its bench early in the season.

Flexibility is the name of the game. The 13th-man will probably be someone who can slide into multiple roles without shaking up the everyday lineup.

Akil Baddoo

Akil Baddoo, 27, broke into the majors in 2021 and flashed a mix of speed and power, especially in his rookie year. After that, his consistency faded, which makes his long-term fit a bit questionable.

Still, he showed up to spring training hot and brought a new approach that caught Milwaukee’s eye. Baddoo put together a strong Triple-A season in 2025, slashing .281/.385/.483 with 15 homers.

That shows he can hit when he gets regular at-bats in the minors. Milwaukee holds minor-league options on him, so they can move him between Milwaukee and Nashville if they want.

The real question: Does his spring surge mean he’s ready for late-inning, bullpen-friendly production? Or is he more of a depth piece at the big-league level?

Tyler Black

Tyler Black was the 33rd overall pick in 2021 and has reached Triple-A in 2024. He’s had brief MLB stints too.

He came into spring training swinging well and showing off some versatility. Black’s value is tied to his prospect pedigree and steady development against tougher competition.

His spring was cut short when he left for the World Baseball Classic, so Milwaukee didn’t get a full look. Still, his ceiling in the minors, minor-league options, and familiarity with the organization give him a real shot at the 13th spot if the Brewers want to stick with in-house talent over outside depth.

Brandon Lockridge

Brandon Lockridge, almost 29, has played 79 MLB games with the Padres and Brewers. His offensive numbers have been modest, but he opened spring training with unexpected power.

He flashed some raw pop that could change his bench profile if it sticks at the big-league level. Lockridge’s experience against MLB pitching makes him a solid option for outfield shifts and utility work.

Is that spring power surge for real, or just a blip? With minor-league options on hand, Lockridge is a practical, low-risk pick for a bench role that values defense and a little late-inning intrigue.

Blake Perkins

Blake Perkins, 29, was a second-round pick a few years back. He’s turned himself into a reliable defensive outfielder for Milwaukee over three seasons now.

His main strengths? Defensive versatility and some pretty sharp baserunning. Offensively, he’s practical—not a game-changer at the plate, but he holds his own.

Perkins usually delivers when called upon, even if it’s just in short bursts. He’s the kind of guy you can toss into the outfield or use as a pinch-runner if things get dicey.

He’s not flashy, but honestly, there’s something to be said for that steady veteran vibe. When it’s late in the game and you need defense or speed, he’s a solid bet.

Plus, with those minor-league options still in his pocket, Milwaukee keeps some roster flexibility. That’s always handy for a front office trying to keep all the puzzle pieces moving.

Fans aren’t left out of this, either. Brewers Reacts ran a poll so supporters could weigh in on the final roster spot—proof that the club actually cares what the community thinks, at least a little.

We’ll have to wait and see who Milwaukee picks, but it’s clear they’re trying to balance winning now with building something bigger for the future.

 
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