The Brewers have a lot of competition for spots on their roster this year. Leaving many fans wondering who’s going to make the team. Most people talk about the same few players but if there’s anything we’ve learned over the years of watching the Brewers it’s that there are always surprises with the Brewers roster. Players you might have thought for sure would make the team might not and players you may have written off could have breakout seasons. These are a few players that people may not have considered.
Player 1: Tyson Miller
The Brewers bullpen has a lot of competition right now and while Tyson Miller isn’t one of the main players people are talking about he may just squeak out the roster. So far in spring training, Miller has played very well for the Brewers including one 5-inning start where he allowed just one hit and one walk along with striking out 8 batters.
Miller has very little major league experience and struggled in that short time. Along with that, he was pretty mediocre in the minors last season. However, most of Miller’s struggles have almost exclusively been against right-handed hitters. Last season Right-handed batters hit .440 against Miller but lefties only hit .238. Miller has a good 5 pitch mix but mostly relies on his 4 seam fastball and slider. Miller needs to find a way to use his repertoire to get righties out if he does that he could earn a spot in the Brewers bullpen. He has shown promise in spring training to this point but time will tell to see if he really figured out pitching to right-handed batters.
The added benefit of having Miller in the bullpen is that he can go multiple innings too. While his pitch usage is better suited for a reliever Miller has started many games in the minors as well. Meaning he could be a good swingman/multi-inning reliever option for the Brewers. Tyson Miller may not be the favorite to make the Brewers bullpen but he has impressed fans and coaches and if the Brewers believe he has improved against right-handed batters enough he may win a bullpen spot.
Player 2: Tyler Naquin
Tyler Naquin is a 7-year veteran outfielder. With the right field position being a bit of a question mark for the Brewers and Tyrone Taylor being expected to miss the first month of the season Naquin could make the team.
Naquin has been a below-average fielder in his career but has some pop in his bat. Over the past 2 seasons, Naquin clubbed 30 home runs. Naquin’s problem offensively is his inability to hit left-handed pitching. In his career, Naquin has a slash line of .264/.317/.480 against righties and a .162/.226/.254 slash line against lefties. Though I’m sure the Brewers are well aware of this issue and would do their best to prevent his ABs against lefties.
The Brewers have a decent amount of options in the outfield but none of them particularly jump off the paper so adding another option isn’t a bad plan. Naquin could come in handy as a veteran who can play in the outfield while the Brewers wait on their prospects and as a safety net in case any of them struggle. Naquin has some competition but if things go his way he has a really good chance to contribute to the Brewers this season.
Player 3: Alex Claudio
With the Brewers lacking left-handed pitching in their bullpen Alex Claudio is a dark horse candidate to sneak out a spot. Claudio is an old friend of the Brewers.
In 2019 and 2020 he was one of Craig Counsell’s go-to guys in the middle innings. He appeared in 103 games for the Brewers between 2019 and 2020. However, since the Brewers non-tendered Claudio, it’s been a rocky road for the southpaw. Since 2021 Claudio owns a 5 ERA and 4.97 FIP.
The 3 batter rule has hurt Claudio’s career in general. Claudio is considered a lefty specialist. In his career, he has always shut down left-handed batters with an opponent slash line of .210/.255/.355. However right handers hold an opponent slash line of .302/.358/.355 against Claudio in his career. Meaning Claudio is borderline unplayable against right-handed hitters and would likely be used as a lefty specialist for the Brewers. This may not be one of those “sexy signings” but the Brewers need some left-handed relievers and Claudio is a pitcher that the Brewers have put their trust in before so he’s definitely not someone to write off.
For More Great Wisconsin Sports Content
Follow me on Twitter at @JackCerveny and follow us @WiSportsHeroics for more great content. To read more of our articles and keep up to date on the latest in Wisconsin sports, click here! Also, check out our merch store for some amazing WSH merchandise!
