The Milwaukee Brewers are entering the 2026 season with uncertainty surrounding Brandon Woodruff, their key starting pitcher, raising questions about his potential bust risk. After a significant offseason of roster changes in the National League Central, Woodruff accepted a one-year qualifying offer worth $22.025 million, but his ability to stay healthy remains a major concern for the Brewers’ plans.
Woodruff missed the entire 2024 season due to shoulder surgery and only returned midway through last year, pitching well despite limited innings. Still, his injury history clouds his outlook as the Brewers prepare to rely heavily on him following the trade of ace Freddy Peralta to the New York Mets.
Injury History Clouds Woodruff’s 2026 Outlook
After a delayed start to the 2025 season, Woodruff showed strong performances, posting a 7-2 record in the second half with a 3.20 ERA across 64.2 innings. His 83 strikeouts and 14 walks in 12 starts demonstrated his effectiveness, though a mid-September injury ended his season prematurely, preventing him from participating in Milwaukee’s playoff run. This recurring health risk places added pressure on Woodruff to maintain durability next year.
“Brandon Woodruff accepted the one-year, $22.025 million qualifying offer from the Brewers this offseason. While some say there’s no such thing as a bad one-year deal, that theory will be tested if Woodruff isn’t able to stay healthier than he has in recent seasons,”
Tim Kelly, Bleacher Report.
Milwaukee’s Pitching Staff Faces Transition and Reliance on Woodruff
With Freddy Peralta traded away, the Brewers are counting on Woodruff to lead the rotation, supported by young pitchers like Quinn Priester, Jacob Misiorowski, Chad Patrick, and newly acquired Kyle Harrison. Harrison was brought in through the Caleb Durbin trade from Boston, while Brandon Sproat, who has high potential, joined Milwaukee as part of the Peralta deal. Despite these additions, the rotation still carries significant uncertainty heading into 2026.
“To make matters worse, the Brewers traded Freddy Peralta to the Mets in January, so it will burn even more this year if Woodruff can’t stay healthy, even if there’s reason to be excited about Jacob Misiorowski and Quinn Priester,”
Tim Kelly, Bleacher Report.
Manager Pat Murphy’s ability to get consistent and healthy performances from his starters will be pivotal if the Brewers aim to contend in their division again. The promising talent of Priester and Misiorowski offers hope, but the rotation’s stability largely hinges on Woodruff’s health and effectiveness.
Woodruff’s Role as a Two-Time All-Star Adds Pressure
Woodruff’s status as a two-time All-Star underscores his past value and the stakes involved in his upcoming season. The financial commitment and expectations place him in a critical position to justify the Brewers’ investment. Should he falter, the 2026 qualifying offer may be labeled a costly gamble for Milwaukee, especially as the team navigates its post-Peralta era.
The acquisition of Kyle Harrison, who struggled with the San Francisco Giants and was part of a crowded pitching staff in Boston, could provide additional depth if he rebounds. Together with Woodruff and the other young arms, Harrison represents an important piece in the Brewers’ aspirations to challenge for the National League Central title once again.
