Every year it seems like there is at least one player who enters spring training nowhere near the roster picture that just goes on an incredible run to earn a spot on the team or at least come very close. The Brewers have seen this happen time and time again. From Vinny Capra to Eric Haase to Ji-Man Choi to Jesus Aguilar to Luke Voit, the spring training standout is a tradition unlike any other.
While these players haven’t always parlayed that spring success into regular season success, they still
are memorable for Brewers fans.
With pitchers and catchers having reported to camp and Cactus League games yet to begin, let’s take a look at some of the candidates to be the 2026 version of that spring standout for the Crew.
1. INF Eddys Leonard
The Brewers signed 25 year old infielder Eddys Leonard to a minor league deal back in November and the move generated very little attention at the time. However, now Leonard could very well find himself as the starting third baseman for the Brewers to begin 2026.
The two favorites ahead of Leonard at third base are David Hamilton and Jett Williams. Hamilton and Williams have a combined 1.1 IP of third base experience in their professional careers. Leonard, meanwhile has 727.1 IP of professional experience at the hot corner.
Last season in the Braves system, Leonard slugged 20 homers for Triple-A Gwinnett. He added 11 stolen bases to go along with his .739 OPS.
Leonard has yet to make his MLB debut but the trade of Caleb Durbin, Andruw Monasterio, and Anthony Siegler have left third base wide open for the taking. If Eddys Leonard can show off that power this spring and have a strong camp, he has a clear path to the big league roster. The opportunity is certainly there for him to take advantage of, the only question is will he?
2. LHP Tate Kuehner
I’m high on Tate Kuehner and I think the lefty out of Louisville is going to see big league time sooner than later. A 7th round pick in 2023, Kuehner has shot through the minor league system and dominated Double-A last year with a 2.77 ERA in 23 starts.
While Kuehner’s long-term big league home may be in the bullpen, especially with the loaded rotation depth the Brewers have amassed above him, he earned the non-roster invite to big league camp where he’ll have a chance to impress the big league coaching staff.
A strong spring can put Kuehner on the short list of pitchers that Pat Murphy wants to call up as needs arrive throughout the season. He has a lower arm slot from the left side which can present a different look from some of the other lefties on the Brewers staff. Kuehner is one of the Crew’s rising pitching prospects, and he’s one fans should keep an eye on this spring for sure.
3. OF Brandon Lockridge
The outfield for the Brewers is very crowded, but they liked what they saw from Lockridge after coming over in the Nestor Cortes trade last year. He had to fill in almost immediately when Jackson Chourio was dealing with a hamstring injury. He hit .261 with a .677 OPS in 20 games and provided some quality defense in the outfield.
With Garrett Mitchell back from injury, the Brewers outfield depth chart has Mitchell, Chourio, Sal Frelick, Blake Perkins as the top four. There’s also Christian Yelich and Jake Bauers that can play the outfield if needed. That doesn’t leave much room for a true fifth outfielder on the roster. However, that doesn’t mean Lockridge can’t do his best to force his way into that conversation.
Also competing for outfield depth spots are free agent addition Akil Baddoo as well as Tyler Black and Steward Berroa. Lockridge made a good impression last year so that could give him more of a leg up on his competition this spring, but it’ll be up to his performance to determine if that’ll hold.
