Fifty-one players appeared in a game for the Brewers last season after 61 in 2021, reflecting that selecting an opening roster is as much about preserving depth as picking the best 26 players — a fact already driven home by spring injuries affecting pitcher Aaron Ashby and outfielder Tyrone Taylor.
With that in mind, we’ll take another shot at projecting Milwaukee’s roster on Opening Day.
Catcher (2): William Contreras, Victor Caratini
The Brewers’ catchers were 19th of 30 teams in offensive production last season, so they added Contreras, who has five years of remaining control. Caratini provides a capable, switch-hitting backup, and the Brewers re-acquired former Milwaukee prospect Payton Henry as a catcher they can option as needed.
First base (2): Rowdy Tellez, Luke Voit
Keston Hiura is out of options and could also figure here again, but we’re adding Voit after he signed a Minor League deal at the beginning of camp. He would have the opportunity to elect free agency should he not make the club, and if he’s healthy, how could the Brewers leave him out? Voit has topped 20 homers in three of the last four seasons and has a 126 wRC+ since the start of 2018.
Second base (1): Luis Urías
Assuming the Brewers go with free-agent pickup Brian Anderson as the regular third baseman, Urías’ best spot could be at second. He has been an underrated performer for the Brewers, delivering 4.4 fWAR and 111 wRC+ over the last two seasons. In this configuration, we’re still starting top infield prospect Brice Turang in the Minors, but he will play a significant role eventually.
Shortstop (1): Willy Adames
Adames has won club MVP honors each of the past two seasons and is coming off a career-high 31 home runs and 4.7 fWAR. Urías can back up when needed, and Turang is a natural shortstop.
Third base (1): Brian Anderson
Anderson was productive as Miami’s everyday third baseman (115 wRC+ from 2018-20) before battling injuries each of the past two seasons and expanding his repertoire to right field. We’ll list him at third here, but with Tyrone Taylor expected to be sidelined by an elbow injury for at least the first month of the regular season, there’s a good chance Anderson sees time in right.
Outfielders (3): Christian Yelich, Garrett Mitchell, Tyler Naquin
Taylor out, Naquin in from our first attempt at this exercise. Naquin signed as a non-roster invitee on the same day as Voit and brings plenty of experience as a corner outfielder. High-ceiling prospects…
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