Todd Young

It's been an eventful first few weeks for the Milwaukee Brewers.

They jumped out to an 8-2 start before losing their last two games against the Boston Red Sox earlier this week and dropping a series for the first time this season.

They've been winning despite being without two key members of their starting unit, outfielder Jackson Chourio and first baseman Andrew Vaughn, both of whom have been sidelined with a fracture in their left hand.

They've already had a dramatic come-from-behind victory, capped by a three-run, pinch-hit home run by Christian Yelich in a sweep of the Chicago White Sox. They've signed one of their top prospects, shortstop Cooper Pratt, to a lucrative contract extension with less than a week's worth of experience at Class AAA Nashville under his belt.

Two other prospects, catcher Jeferson Quero and left-hander Shane Drohan, already have debuted.

Heck, they even took on a tortoise named Bobby Jr. that became part of an interleague series victory in Kansas City.

It sounds strange to say, but the Brewers face their first National League opponent this weekend when they host the Washington Nationals at American Family Field, with the team debuting their new Nike City Connect uniforms on Friday, April 10.

With all that in mind, let's dip into our first mailbag of the regular season.

Contract extensions and the future

Do you think the Brewers' signing of Cooper Pratt to a long-term contract will motivate some of the other top prospects to do the same?

Todd Rosiak: The news of Pratt signing his big contract extension last week was certainly exciting for the young shortstop, the franchise and Brewers fans. The 21-year-old is now on the team's 40-man roster and the clock has officially begun on when he makes his major league debut – a good start at Class AAA Nashville combined with continuing offensive struggles by Joey Ortiz might well speed up his timeline. With Jackson Chourio setting the standard and now Pratt, it's logical to wonder if Jesús Made or Luis Peña might be next. President of baseball operations Matt Arnold has said repeatedly since taking the reins that the organization is always going to be open to such moves and the best guess is that if there haven't been overtures made to one or both, there might be soon assuming both continue on their current paths. Whether they'd be open to it is difficult to say, although one would think it'd be tough to turn down big guaranteed money while still a teenager. It's been fascinating to watch teams across baseball taking their cues from the Brewers' initial Chourio deal and locking down their top prospects as well.

Have the Brewers offered Brice Turang a serious deal or is he priced out of their market? Who is the next pitcher to get an extension like Aaron Ashby?

Todd Rosiak: A couple years ago the consensus was the Brewers should sign William Contreras to an extension. Well, it takes two to tango and Contreras said several times in no uncertain terms that he had no interest. Who could blame him? Contreras stands to cash in big-time in free agency entering the 2028 season. Turang, an ascending second baseman who is coming off an outstanding showing with Team USA in the World Baseball Classic, would also fit the mold of someone Milwaukee would want to lock up. The best guess is an offer already has been made – and declined. The good news is Turang is under team control through 2029 and there are middle infielders like Pratt, Made and Peña in the pipeline. As far as pitchers, Jacob Misiorowski most certainly has been approached about his interest in signing long term, but considering his potential as one of the top future starters in the game, those negotiations likely would involve a great deal of time and a much larger outlay by the Brewers. Quinn Priester is another pitcher who could make sense considering he's still only 25 and ascending.

With all of the young infielders coming up, I'm certain Brice Turang will go the way of Josh Hader/Corbin Burnes/Freddy Peralta. But what about Sal Frelick?

Todd Rosiak: Indeed, if the Brewers and Turang continue to just play it out year to year without agreeing on an extension, he probably would be traded before he hit free agency like the players you mentioned. It's just how the franchise operates, and considering the success it's had who can argue? Looking at the entirety of the 40-man roster, I'd say the best bet for the next successful extension – assuming mutual interest – would be Frelick, the team's popular right fielder. He's a gamer, top-notch defender, displayed major offensive improvement last season and likely wouldn't break the bank.

While it's very early, Brock Wilken appears to be struggling again. If he's not the long-term answer at third base, who is?

Todd Rosiak: I think your first words are most important – it's still very early. No, Wilken hasn't gotten off to a great start at Class AAA Nashville. But he's played a little over a week's worth of games at that level so far in his career. Give him some time. Sure, Wilken has his warts as a player. But he also has battled through some brutal injuries the past few seasons, was a first-round pick just three years ago and possesses tremendous potential as a power bat and run producer. If he doesn't work out, how about Milwaukee's 2025 first-round pick, Andrew Fischer? He's already moved onto the top 100 prospects lists, is widely considered the top third-base prospect in all the minor leagues and is coming off a highly impressive showing with Team Italy in the WBC. Fischer seems like he could have future star written all over him and, assuming he gets off to a strong start at Class High A Wisconsin, a speedy promotion to Class AA Biloxi will be in the cards as the Brewers move him expeditiously through the system.

Rotation questions

What does Robert Gasser need to do to get back in the rotation?

First and foremost, stay healthy. Gasser, of course, traveled a long road back from Tommy John surgery in 2024 to return late last season and even be included on both of the Brewers' postseason rosters. The left-hander failed to make the team out of camp this season but was dynamite in his season debut at Nashville, striking out 11 over 5⅔ shutout innings March 27. He's since been diagnosed with muscle soreness in his biceps and triceps and backed off from pitching, which is too bad considering he might well have been in line for a promotion should Brandon Sproat's struggles continue. Assuming Gasser isn't sidelined for too long, he certainly will be in the conversation when the Brewers need to dip into their depth again for a starter.

Logan Henderson has been a successful starting pitcher for the Brewers, yet he continues to be sent to the minors. What does he need to do to cement his position in the majors?

Todd Rosiak: Henderson has been successful, yes, but over a very small sample size – six starts since debuting last April. He appears to have the stuff and the makeup to become a regular, but various arm injuries have conspired against him. The best thing he can do is stay healthy for a lengthy stretch – easier said than done, I know – log innings and experience at Nashville and just keep himself in the conversation. Milwaukee's brass and coaching staff have liked what they've seen in the various spot starts, so if the door opens again he needs to take advantage of the opportunity. Guys like Gasser and Henderson are extremely valuable to the Brewers and any other team, as quality rotation depth is tough to accrue.

Odds and ends

The recent uprising by Willson Contreras led me to ponder, 'Who is the Brewers' enforcer?'

Todd Rosiak: Since I started covering the Brewers in 2011 they have been much more interested in winning games than fighting; in fact, the two biggest brawls I remember seeing in person both involved Carlos Gómez, someone I would not have wanted to be mad at me. On the current team, I would say Willson Contreras' younger brother, William, would be my no-brainer pick. It would have been interesting to see how the brothers interacted if Willson would have chosen to rush the mound after Brandon Woodruff "hit" him with that pitch. Gary Sánchez is a big guy and probably could handle himself well if needed. I think Sal Frelick would be a Tasmanian devil. If he was on the 26-man roster, Akil Baddoo would be a good pick as well. I think Trevor Megill would be the guy on the mound who would take care of business if needed. A fun question!

Why don't you do podcasts? Curt Hogg is lapping you.

Todd Rosiak: I'm not actively avoiding our "Microbrew" podcast, if that what you're referring to. Curt and I switch off depending on where the team is, who's traveling or scheduled to travel or who might have covered that night's game (traditionally we shoot them on Sunday afternoons or evenings, although there are various episodes that are shot at other times and are news-driven). That said, I have a face for newspapers, which is why I got into the business. I never envisioned having to also do these other sorts of things, but that's just how the business has evolved. Stay tuned – I'll be back on plenty more this season.