Heading into the 2026 season, the Milwaukee Brewers’ lineup is going to look a little different. Rookie of the Year runner-up Caleb Durbin was traded to the Boston Red Sox. Replacing Durbin will most likely be a combination of free agent signee Luis Rengifo and trade acquisition David Hamilton. However, aside from the Durbin departure, Milwaukee is returning most of its regulars, which helped the team average 4.98 runs per game. One thing that Brewers fans can count on is that Milwaukee will be a force offensively again this season.

The Brewers Offense Was Impressive In 2025 Embed from Getty Images

Last season, the Milwaukee Brewers averaged 4.98 runs per game, second most in the National League, and only the World Series champion Los Angeles Dodgers averaged more. Nobody in the regular lineup was an All-Star. Nine other teams behind the Brewers also had significantly higher payrolls. This included free spenders like the Mets, Phillies, and Padres.

The Brewers instead relied on their homegrown talent and players previously castaway by other teams. Andrew Vaughn had a resurgence after coming over from the Chicago White Sox. Brice Turang had a breakout season. Jackson Chourio continued to knock on the door of stardom. Christian Yelich was healthy for most of the year and had his best season since 2018. Sal Frelick made a huge jump offensively and had his best season yet. Despite a slow start and dealing with a finger injury for most of the season, William Contreras had another productive year. After the season, Caleb Durbin finished third in NL Rookie of the Year voting.

The Bold Move To Trade Caleb Durbin

Trade news: The Boston Red Sox are acquiring third baseman Caleb Durbin in a trade with the Milwaukee Brewers, sources tell ESPN. Left-hander Kyle Harrison is headlining the three-player package headed back to Milwaukee.

— Jeff Passan (@JeffPassan) February 9, 2026

Heading into the offseason, their entire lineup was still under team control. Given what the team accomplished, it was easy to assume they would run it back next season. However, the Brewers made an unexpectedly bold move. Caleb Durbin, along with Anthony Seigler and Andruw Monasterio, were traded to the Red Sox for Kyle Harrison, Shane Drohan, and David Hamilton. A week later, Milwaukee signed free agent Luis Rengifo to a one-year, $3.5 million deal with a $10 million mutual option for 2027. To begin the season, Rengifo and Hamilton will most likely be platooned at third base.

The Lineup Might Be Even Better This Season Embed from Getty Images

While Durbin is now gone, Milwaukee is returning most of its regular lineup. The scary part for the rest of the league is that it’s hungry and could be even better in 2026. William Contreras is fully healthy and is expected to have a bounce-back year. Brice Turang will look to continue his offensive ascent. Jackson Chourio is expected to break out. Luis Rengifo will be looking to rejuvenate his career after a disappointing 2025 season. Andrew Vaughn is more motivated than ever as he’s a free agent in 2027 and 2026 could determine his future salary. Christian Yelich should be a steady veteran presence in the lineup. Sal Frelick will look to build on last season’s success. Meanwhile, if Garrett Mitchell can finally stay healthy and Joey Ortiz can bounce back offensively, this lineup could have more length to it.

More Home Runs Will Come Embed from Getty Images

One of the things that the Brewers were criticized for was not having enough power. As a team, they only hit 166 home runs, and Christian Yelich led the way with 29. While the team didn’t add any power hitters this offseason, I believe more homers will come from their current lineup. Yelich is the main power hitter; however, a healthy William Contreras and Garrett Mitchell, a full season of Andrew Vaughn, and players like Jackson Chourio, Brice Turang, and Sal Frelick continuing to tap into their power will help Milwaukee’s home run totals rise.

Scoring Runs Won’t Be A Problem In 2026 Embed from Getty Images

While Caleb Durbin was traded away, most of the regular lineup from last season is returning in 2026. One can argue that the Brewers’ offense is in even better shape than it was last season. Milwaukee has a lineup with players who are finally healthy, motivated by free agent eligibility, due for bounce-back seasons, or looking to build on their 2025 successes. While they hit the seventh fewest home runs in the National League last season, this team has more home run power than people may think. Players like Brice Turang, Jackson Chouiro, and Sal Frelick are just tapping into their power. Given everything that is in place with the current lineup, their offense will have no problem scoring runs this season.

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