Players who didn’t make the cut but will still impact the Brewers
Milwaukee Brewers camp this spring, more than any other in recent memory, was highlighted by the team’s vast array of prospects. With a strong performance, Jackson Chourio made the opening-day roster while others such as Robert Gasser and Tyler Black lasted until the bitter end. Still others, such as Jeferson Quero, Brock Wilken and Jacob Misiorowski, showed they aren’t all that far away from making an impact on the Brewers.
Here is a list of 10 players who as of March 20 were not projected to make the final cut but are certain to appear on the major-league roster at some point early in the season.
Robert Gasser, LHP
He flashed his strikeout stuff and received a vote of confidence from manager Pat Murphy, who indicated with about two weeks of camp left that he’ll be making his debut sometime in the first month.
Tyler Black, IF
The left-handed-hitting Canadian is a hardcharging competitor whose offensive tools and speed on the base paths help separate him. Black’s defense needs work, however, with first base and third base his areas of focus.
Aaron Ashby, LHP
The Brewers want Ashby to continue stretching out, and since he’s still not all the way back from 2023 shoulder surgery the best place for him to do that is at Class AAA Nashville. Best guess is we’ll see him early on, like Gasser.
Andruw Monasterio, INF
He wasn’t even on the radar screen for the majors last year at this time and turned out to be an important contributor. Monasterio has bulked up and can play second, shortstop and third, giving him the versatility the Brewers love.
Owen Miller, INF
Speaking of versatility, the Fredonia native has that in spades, with an ability to play first, second, third and the outfield. Miller has shown he can make an offensive impact as well. He’s about as reliable as they come, which also has value.
Joey Wiemer, OF
Wiemer experienced major ups and downs as a rookie in 2023 and revamped his swing in the offseason. In spring training, he looked like he needed more time to lock in at the plate, so he should log at-bats at Nashville.
JB Bukauskas, RHP
He joined the Brewers last April but barely pitched after being sidelined by a series of pesky injuries. Bukauskas showed the stuff this spring that drew Milwaukee to him, and with a rare fourth minor-league option he’ll be in the bullpen mix.
Oliver Dunn, INF
A terrific 2023 earned him acclaim, and a 40man roster crunch in Philadelphia paved his way to Milwaukee. He plays second and third, and his left-handed bat and developing pop help separate him a bit from some of the Brewers’ other infielders.
Blake Perkins, OF
Like Monasterio, Perkins came out of relative obscurity to become a contributor last season. His ability to switch-hit is valuable, plus he can run well and play all three outfield spots.
Carlos Rodríguez, RHP
Rodríguez didn’t get many opportunities this spring, but the Brewers love his makeup and competitiveness. He makes up for a lack of nasty stuff with a true sense for how to get batters out and a six-pitch arsenal.
As for that talented next wave of Quero, Wilken and Misiorowski, Murphy is on record as saying all three could touch the majors at some point this season.
Wilken at third base and Misiorowski in the bullpen would appear to have the best opportunities.