The Milwaukee Brewers have officially started Spring Training as they prepare for the 2026 MLB season. Obviously, they are far from solving all the questions that have presented themselves during the off-season in terms of what their Opening Day roster will look like. Indeed, they need to figure out a new third base depth chart and determine which of their many quality arms will make up the five-man pitching staff.
Up until a few days ago, the role of backup catcher was a big question for the Brewers too. However, the signing of Gary Sanchez to a one-year Major League deal solved that, though some fans thought Jeferson Quero could have started the season backing up William Contreras.
On that note, though, it would appear Milwaukee has not ruled out keeping both of them on the Opening Day roster.
Milwaukee Brewers manager Pat Murphy says team could carry 3 catchers onto the Opening Day Roster
When discussing Sanchez’s signing, Brewers manager Pat Murphy praised his offense and willingness to play elsewhere, other than catcher. He believes that Sanchez’s flexibility could provide a path for Quero to make his first ever Opening Day roster:
“It’ll be a nice addition, both as a catcher and sometimes a DH, we could pinch-hit him. He’s so versatile — versatile meaning he’s a good hitter — that we could carry three catchers.”
In addition to appearing as a backup catcher and DH, Sanchez also has some experience at first base. When he was last with the Brewers in 2024, he appeared in four games there.
Obviously, Christian Yelich, a left-handed hitter, is the usual DH in Milwaukee’s lineup. Having Sanchez, who is right-handed like Contreras, would allow Murphy to put an extra righty in the batting order.
The difficulty, though, of carrying three catchers is that they would be sacrificing depth elsewhere. With bullpens getting used early and often at the beginning of the season, it is hard to see the Brewers carrying an extra catcher in favor of an arm. Similarly, their third base question may require them to carry more players that can play the hot corner, and not an extra catcher.
That being said, it will be interesting to see how Spring Training plays out. If all three catchers are hitting well, it will present a very intriguing roster decision.
More Milwaukee Brewers news from Wisconsin Sports Heroics
- Brewers’ Pat Murphy drops intriguing hint on Gary Sanchez plan for 2026
- Brewers’ Gary Sanchez addition adds twist to Jeferson Quero plan
- Former Brewers ace Freddy Peralta omitted from top-10 starting pitchers list
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