The Milwaukee Brewers have long built a reputation as a persistent “pitching factory.” While other teams spend money buying aces, the Brewers choose to deepen their system, honing underdeveloped players. And the 2026 season could be the biggest test of that philosophy, after the team decided to part ways with Freddy Peralta.
Peralta’s departure leaves a void not only in innings, but also in identity. The Brewers won’t be looking for a direct replacement. They need more arms, people who can share the burden. In that context, a name that seemed to have faded from the spotlight is being mentioned again: Carlos Rodriguez.
Rodrigud isn’t a newly emerging prospect. He’s had a few “cups of coffee” in MLB, and frankly, that experience hasn’t been pleasant. Disjointed plays, a high ERA, and the feeling that his minor league talent hasn’t translated into top-tier opponents. That’s enough for many fans to cross him off their list of expectations.
But the Brewers didn’t do that.
Just Baseball’s Joey Peterson recently recalled Rodriguez’s bumpy journey as a warning… and a hint. In 2023, he exploded with a 2.88 ERA on over 128 innings at Double-A and Triple-A events, sending his stock soaring. In 2024, things slowed down: a 4.51 ERA in Nashville, increased walk, decreased strikeouts, and three MLB starts ending with a 7.30 ERA. That was the moment many thought Rodriguez had hit his ceiling.
The 2025 season wasn’t a spectacular turnaround, but it was a small step forward. The most memorable moment came in Pittsburgh, in a game delayed by rain. Rodriguez was brought in after a long break to “eat innings” and save the bullpen. Not perfect, but decent enough in difficult circumstances — and that’s the detail the Brewers noticed.
Rodrigud has MLB talent. What he lacks isn’t pitch, but the right role. Securing him as a traditional starter might not be the optimal path. Given the inconsistent rotation, the Brewers are considering another option: a long reliever.
This isn’t a downgrade. For Milwaukee, it’s about maximizing his value. Rodriguez can shoot long, handle pressure, and fill in “bad” situations—where the bullpen often collapses. This role allows him to focus on what he does best, reduces the number of rounds he faces in the lineup, and thus hides his weaknesses against MLB hitters.
The Brewers have had success with this type of transition many times. And after Peralta, they need players who are willing to adapt even more. Rodriguez entered Spring Training with a clear question: could he become a new version of himself?
The answer doesn’t have to be “ace.” It just needs to be reliable.
If Rodriguez improves his command and embraces a hybrid role between starter and reliever, he could become a crucial part of the 2026 pitching staff. No one expects him to dominate the headlines. But over a long season, those “ugly but necessary” innings often decide more than people realize.
The Brewers don’t need miracles. They need pieces that can withstand pressure. And Carlos Rodriguez—though not flashy—has a chance to prove that he still belongs in that famous pitching factory.
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