Brewers preseason capsule: Can Jackson Chourio keep Milwaukee in contention?

Milwaukee Brewers

2024 record: 93-69 (1st place, NL Central)

He gone: SS Willy Adames, LHP Wade Miley, LHP Hoby Milner, RHP Frankie Montas, RHP Joe Ross, C Gary Sanchez, RHP Devin Williams, RHP Bryse Wilson.

New faces: LHP Nestor Cortes, 2B-SS Caleb Durbin, LHP Jose Quintana, LHP Connor Thomas.

Biggest question entering Opening Day: Is OF Jackson Chourio baseball's next superstar? He posted a .310/.363/.552 slash line during the second half of last season, and smacked 16 home runs with 63 RBIs in the final 97 games in 2024. A full season at that pace would cement his standing as a transformational talent. He's 21 and just coming into his own for a franchise that needs an offensive catalyst to replace Adames.

Top prospect: RHP Jacob Misiorowski flourished as a starter at the Double-A level before moving to the bullpen at Triple-A last season. He struck out 127 batters in 97 1/3 innings last season while posting a 3.33 ERA over the two levels.

Breakout player: OF Sal Frelick used his wheels to play Gold Glove defense in right field and steal 18 bases last season. He is also an excellent contact hitter who works pitch counts. Looking to add more pop at the plate, he muscled up during the offseason while seeking to improve his exit velocities.

2025 outlook: Once again budget considerations forced the Brewers to reset their roster. They still have some offensive pop with Chourio, C William Contreras, 1B Rhys Hoskins and OF Christian Yelich (when healthy). Their pitching staff took a big hit with offseason departures -- and it remains to be seen how much RHP Brandon Woodruff will offer as he returns from repairs. This might be the year the Brewers fail to win the arms race.

--Field Level Media