Milwaukee Brewers Roster Outlook Uncertain Amid Woodruff Injury Concerns

Brewers face questions about rotation depth after losing Peralta and Woodruff's health status

Jan. 29, 2026 at 6:15pm

The Milwaukee Brewers enter the 2026 season with an uncertain outlook for their starting rotation, as they look to replace the departed Freddy Peralta and manage concerns around the health and availability of ace Brandon Woodruff.

Why it matters

The Brewers have been a consistent playoff contender in recent years, but their success has often hinged on the strength of their starting pitching. With Peralta gone and Woodruff's status in flux, the team's ability to field a reliable rotation could determine whether they remain in contention in the NL Central.

The details

Woodruff, the Brewers' top starter, is coming off an injury-plagued 2025 season that saw him miss significant time. His health and ability to bounce back will be crucial for the Brewers' rotation. Meanwhile, the team lost Peralta, a key member of the rotation, to free agency in the offseason. The Brewers will need to find a way to replace his production, either through internal options or by signing a veteran free agent arm.

  • Woodruff missed significant time during the 2025 season due to injury.
  • Peralta departed the Brewers via free agency in the 2025-26 offseason.

The players

Brandon Woodruff

The Brewers' ace starting pitcher who is coming off an injury-plagued 2025 season.

Freddy Peralta

A key member of the Brewers' starting rotation who left the team via free agency in the offseason.

Got photos? Submit your photos here. ›

What’s next

The Brewers will need to closely monitor Woodruff's recovery and progress during spring training to determine if he is ready for the start of the 2026 season. They will also need to identify internal or external options to replace Peralta's production in the rotation.

The takeaway

The Brewers' ability to field a reliable starting rotation will be crucial to their chances of remaining a playoff contender in 2026, as they navigate the uncertainty surrounding Woodruff's health and the loss of Peralta.