Spring training is about to get intense for the Milwaukee Brewers, and it’s not just because players are gearing up for the regular season. This year, the bullpen is where the real drama unfolds, with a lopsided group of left-handed relievers vying for limited spots. But here’s where it gets controversial: how will the Brewers navigate this logjam of talent? And this is the part most people miss—the decisions made here could shape the team’s entire season.
Roster battles are the heartbeat of spring training. While the exhibition games are designed to help players ramp up, it’s the fierce competition for Opening Day spots that truly captivates fans. Remember last year’s showdown between Vinny Capra and Caleb Durbin for the starting third base job? This year, the Brewers’ lineup is mostly set, with only a few positions up for grabs. Joey Ortiz’s starting shortstop role is likely secure, and the backup catcher battle between top prospect Jeferson Quero and newcomer Reese McGuire might be the closest we’ll see on the position player side—unless a trade or big-name signing shakes things up.
But the pitching side? That’s where the intrigue lies. The competition for the No. 4 and 5 starter spots between Chad Patrick, Logan Henderson, and Brandon Sproat is already heating up. Henderson and Sproat, both Top 100 prospects, impressed in their 2025 MLB debuts, but they could also spend time in the bullpen to refine their electric stuff. Meanwhile, Patrick’s strong bullpen performance last season might keep him there for 2026. Is this the best use of his talent, or should he return to the rotation? Let’s discuss.
The bullpen, however, is where the real fireworks will happen. With Trevor Megill and Abner Uribe likely locking down the late innings, six spots remain open—including one for long relief. FanGraphs projects five left-handed relievers in the Opening Day bullpen: Jared Koenig, Aaron Ashby, Ángel Zerpa, Rob Zastryzny, and DL Hall, alongside righty Grant Anderson. Koenig, Ashby, and Zerpa seem like safe bets, given their recent performances and the team’s investment in them. But that leaves Zastryzny and Hall in a head-to-head battle for the final spot.
Here’s the twist: Zastryzny has no minor-league options left, while Hall deserves a longer look in the big leagues after limited innings in previous seasons. The loser could be traded or sent to Triple-A Nashville. But with Sammy Peralta and Robert Gasser waiting in the wings, the Brewers have more than enough talent to sort through. Is it a problem of abundance, or will the team find a way to roster all five lefties?
Having too many good relievers, especially left-handed ones, is a luxury most teams dream of. The Brewers might not see it as a problem at all, opting to keep a deep bullpen while stashing Anderson or Sproat/Henderson in the minors. But spring training will be the ultimate proving ground for Pat Murphy and the front office to make their final calls. What would you do? Keep all the lefties or balance the bullpen with more right-handed options? Let us know in the comments—this debate is far from over.
