Brewers fans are eagerly anticipating the performance of Craig Yoho in 2026, especially after his recent MLB debut, which had its ups and downs. While Yoho's changeup impressed with a 28.9% whiff rate, his overall hard-hit rate was below 30%, and his ERA was a less-than-stellar 7.27. The Brewers' bullpen is southpaw-heavy, which gives Yoho a unique advantage as a right-handed pitcher. With only a few right-handed relievers on the roster, Yoho has a real chance to secure a spot on the Opening Day roster.
However, Yoho's control issues could be a significant hurdle. Since his ascent to Triple-A in 2024, he has struggled with issuing free passes, which won't be tolerated against the world's best hitters. His changeup and fastball both exhibit significant arm-side run, making them challenging to locate in the strike zone. To succeed at the MLB level, Yoho needs to improve his command and develop a reliable third pitch. He has experimented with a flat cutter and a sweeper, but he must learn to control the movement of his pitches to ensure they stay within the strike zone.
Despite the challenges, Yoho's unique profile and the Brewers' need for right-handed relievers make him a strong contender for a spot on the roster. His performance in spring training will be crucial, and fans can expect to see a lot of highlights, along with a high walk rate, as he continues to develop his pitching skills.
