There were some trades around MLB this past offseason that opened some eyes. One of them happened in late January when the Milwaukee Brewers decided to trade one of their top right-handers.
Milwaukee sent Freddy Peralta to the New York Mets for a pair of top prospects in Brandon Sproat and Jett Williams. It was a move by the Brewers, selling high on one of their top pitchers that they were unlikely to re-sign following the 2026 season.
The Mets made the move to sure up their rotation by adding Peralta. As for Milwaukee, Sproat is an interesting pitcher. The 25-year-old pitched in Triple-A for New York before making four starts for the Mets last season. He is someone who could crack the Milwaukee rotation out of spring training. According to Jim Bowden of The Athletic, he’s already turning heads for the Brewers.
Brandon Sproat Turning Heads in Milwaukee Brewers Camp
Just how manager Pat Murphy goes in terms of replacing Peralta in Milwaukee’s starting rotation remains to be seen. Sproat, who played at the University of Florida, is someone who has opened some eyes and is pushing for a rotation spot on Opening Day.
Sproat had a 4.24 ERA in Triple-A for New York in 121 innings with 113 strikeouts. He made four September starts for the Mets last year and worked 20.2 innings. He had a 4.79 ERA, and New York lost three of his four starts, but he has an arsenal of pitches, which should excite Milwaukee.
“Sproat’s four-seam fastball is mostly 95-97 but can get to 99. He throws a lot of sinkers to right-handed hitters and has an effective hard sweeper that’s in the mid-80s. He has a hard slider and changeup, as well, and needs work on velocity variations with all his pitches. (Sproat) profiles as a mid-rotation starter when fully developed,” Bowden wrote.
Milwaukee’s latest projected rotation to begin the season is highlighted by youngster Jacob Misiorowski, Chad Patrick, Sproat, Kyle Harrison, and Brandon Woodruff. Harrison was acquired from the Boston Red Sox as part of the Caleb Durbin deal. Woodruff is returning from injuries, and the Brewers will take it slow with him. That certainly opens the door for Sproat to make the Opening Day rotation.
Milwaukee Brewers Impressed By Brandon Sproat in Spring Training
Milwaukee’s president of baseball operations, Matt Arnold, made some big moves over the winter, and Sproat might be the biggest under-the-radar player acquired. He seems to be fitting in perfectly with the Brewers.
“Sproat came in as part of a big trade for Freddy Peralta, but has fit right into the group immediately. He’s been very impressive in a number of ways. Really good person and presence, very athletic, and our coaches say he’s been a joy to work with. We’re thrilled to have him,” Arnold said.
Milwaukee will be the biggest challenger for the Chicago Cubs in the National League Central. It’s going to be difficult for the Brewers to repeat as division winners, but if they are going to do it, Sproat is a player who could be an X-factor at the end of the season.
Milwaukee Brewers Newly Acquired Pitcher Is Turning Heads Before Opening Day