Brewers Leverage Young Talent in Offseason Trades

Franchise makes strategic moves to enhance pitching depth and maintain competitive strength

Published on Feb. 14, 2026

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The Milwaukee Brewers have made several notable trades this offseason, leveraging their young talent after a historic Rookie of the Year voting performance last season. The team has sent multiple award vote-getters, including Caleb Durbin and others, to acquire left-handed pitching prospects Kyle Harrison and Shane Drohan, with the broader vision of maintaining competitive strength while managing their young roster effectively.

Why it matters

The Brewers' trades are part of a calculated plan to optimize team performance, despite losing influential players like ace Freddy Peralta. The moves underscore the team's forward-thinking approach to roster management, allowing them to capitalize on their talent surplus while ensuring future competitiveness in the league.

The details

The Brewers traded two Rookie of the Year vote-getters in the same offseason, a first in MLB history. Four Brewers players received Rookie of the Year votes last season, including Durbin (3rd), Collins (4th), Patrick (7th), and Misiorowski (11th). By trading from this young talent depth, the Brewers are able to enhance their pitching staff without degrading their competitive position.

  • The Brewers are coming off a franchise-record 97 wins and a second consecutive NL Central title in 2025.
  • The Brewers made the trades this offseason, prior to the 2026 season.

The players

Matt Arnold

The President of baseball operations for the Milwaukee Brewers, who facilitated the team's strategic trades this offseason.

Caleb Durbin

A Brewers player who received Rookie of the Year votes and was traded this offseason.

Kyle Harrison

A left-handed pitching prospect acquired by the Brewers in one of their offseason trades.

Shane Drohan

A left-handed pitching prospect acquired by the Brewers in one of their offseason trades.

Freddy Peralta

The Brewers' ace pitcher who was traded away this offseason.

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What’s next

The Brewers will monitor the performance of their new pitching acquisitions, Harrison and Drohan, as they aim to replace Peralta's contributions while continuing to develop their young players. Trade evaluations will unfold over time, with expectations of long-term benefits from these moves.

The takeaway

The Brewers' strategic trades this offseason demonstrate their commitment to maintaining a competitive team while effectively managing their young talent. By leveraging their depth, the team has positioned itself to remain a contender in the NL Central and beyond.