Brewers Eyeing Right-Handed Bullpen Addition Ahead of 2026 Season

Insider scoop suggests Milwaukee could target veteran reliever Ryne Stanek to bolster their bullpen.

Apr. 10, 2026 at 3:51am

Got story updates? Submit your updates here. ›

A cubist-style painting depicting a baseball pitcher's throwing motion broken down into sharp, overlapping geometric shapes in muted tones of navy, forest green, and burnt orange, conceptually representing the Brewers' efforts to build a versatile and unpredictable bullpen.The Brewers' bullpen strategy aims to deconstruct traditional pitching matchups, blending new and veteran arms to create a dynamic relief corps.Today in Milwaukee

The Milwaukee Brewers, fresh off a dominant 97-win season, are reportedly exploring options to add a right-handed reliever to their bullpen ahead of the 2026 campaign. While the Brewers' offseason has been relatively quiet, MLB insider Mark Feinsand's tweet about Ryne Stanek drawing interest from multiple NL Central teams has sparked speculation that the Brewers could be one of the suitors.

Why it matters

The Brewers' current bullpen lacks right-handed options, which could create matchup challenges for manager Pat Murphy next season. Addressing this need through a potential Stanek signing could help the Brewers maintain their competitive edge in the NL Central.

The details

Stanek, a right-handed reliever, has seen his stats decline in recent years, posting a 4.09+ ERA over the last three seasons and a 5.30 ERA in 2025. However, his underlying metrics suggest he may have been unlucky, with his pitches ranking above league average in 'nastiness' (Stuff+) and his overall Pitching+ grade indicating he outperformed the average reliever. Stanek's World Series-winning pedigree from 2022, when he posted a 1.15 ERA for the Astros, also makes him an intriguing target.

  • The Brewers are exploring potential bullpen additions ahead of the 2026 season.

The players

Ryne Stanek

A right-handed reliever who has drawn interest from multiple NL Central teams, including the Brewers, despite his recent statistical decline.

Pat Murphy

The manager of the Milwaukee Brewers.

Joey Ortiz

The Brewers' projected starting shortstop for the 2026 season.

Freddy Peralta

A Brewers pitcher who has been the subject of trade rumors this offseason.

Mark Feinsand

An MLB insider who tweeted about Ryne Stanek drawing interest from multiple NL Central teams.

Got photos? Submit your photos here. ›

What’s next

The Brewers will likely continue to monitor the free-agent and trade markets for potential right-handed bullpen options to complement their roster ahead of the 2026 season.

The takeaway

The Brewers' offseason strategy has been relatively quiet, but they may be poised to make a targeted move to address a specific need in their bullpen. Ryne Stanek's potential fit with the team highlights the Brewers' forward-thinking approach and their commitment to building a well-rounded roster capable of sustained success.