Brewers' Yelich Praised for Leadership Role Ahead of 2026 Season

Manager Pat Murphy highlights star player's deep understanding of the game and ability to inspire the team.

Feb. 23, 2026 at 5:15pm

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The Milwaukee Brewers are facing roster changes heading into the 2026 MLB season, but their star player Christian Yelich and manager Pat Murphy are providing optimism about the team's ability to maintain competitiveness. Yelich, the former NL MVP, has embraced a leadership role, emphasizing focus over outside predictions. Murphy praised Yelich's game awareness and ability to motivate the team, noting that 'when he speaks, people listen'.

Why it matters

The Brewers are coming off a franchise-record 97-win season in 2025, but the loss of key players like Isaac Collins, Freddy Peralta, and Caleb Durbin presents a significant challenge. Yelich's leadership and Murphy's management will be crucial in helping the team navigate roster changes and maintain their competitive edge.

The details

Yelich, the Brewers' star player and former NL MVP, is expected to continue in his role as the team's main designated hitter in 2026. During spring training, manager Pat Murphy praised Yelich's deep understanding of the game and his ability to impart 'something simple, and yet, profound' to the team. Murphy said he often turns to Yelich for guidance, noting that 'when he speaks from his heart and he's serious about something, everyone listens and it's impactful'.

  • The Brewers set a franchise record with 97 wins in 2025.
  • The 2026 MLB season is set to begin in the coming months.

The players

Christian Yelich

The Milwaukee Brewers' star player and former National League Most Valuable Player.

Pat Murphy

The manager of the Milwaukee Brewers, who has praised Yelich's leadership and impact on the team.

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What they’re saying

“Just because they say you're going to be bad, or just because they say you're going to be good, you still have to play the six-month season and everything that goes with that. So we kind of block it out. It's business as usual every single season, kind of the same story. So go out and play, and we'll see where we're at.”

— Christian Yelich

“He's really in tune with the game, he understands it. And he understands his role with the Milwaukee Brewers. Yeli knows how to get into a meeting or a team session and impart something simple, and yet, profound. When he speaks, people listen. And when he speaks from his heart and he's serious about something, everyone listens and it's impactful. I go to him all the time.”

— Pat Murphy, Manager

What’s next

The Brewers will look to build on their franchise-record 97 wins in 2025 as they navigate roster changes and aim to maintain their competitive edge in the 2026 MLB season.

The takeaway

Christian Yelich's leadership and Pat Murphy's management provide optimism for the Milwaukee Brewers as they face the challenges of roster changes and aim to surpass expectations in the 2026 season. Yelich's deep understanding of the game and ability to inspire the team will be crucial in helping the Brewers maintain their competitive edge.