According to Adam McCalvy of MLB.com, the Milwaukee Brewers may have found their next breakout candidate as manager Pat Murphy identified infielder David Hamilton as the player most likely to make a significant leap during the 2026 season.

Hamilton, 28, was acquired from the Boston Red Sox in a pre-Spring Training deal that reshaped Milwaukee’s infield depth.

Early in camp, he began showing flashes of his speed and offensive potential, collecting two hits and swiping a base in a spring matchup against the Cincinnati Reds.

Murphy pointed to Hamilton’s combination of athleticism and experience as reasons for optimism, even if his role may initially come in a versatile capacity.

"He's got so much ability in there, and he's got experience, and he might be a utility player but I think he can be really good for us," Murphy said. "I think he can take his offensive game to a whole other level.”

Murphy has made a habit of identifying players he believes are positioned for major development.

His first prediction came in 2024 when he spotlighted Brice Turang, who followed with a strong defensive season and improved overall production, highlighted by winning the National League Platinum Glove Award.

The following year, Murphy highlighted Caleb Durbin as a rising contributor.

Though Durbin did not open the season in the majors, he eventually earned a call-up and finished third in National League Rookie of the Year voting after a strong debut season.

Milwaukee later moved Durbin in the trade package that brought Hamilton to the organization, along with pitching reinforcements.

Now, Murphy believes Hamilton could be next in line to benefit from increased opportunity and development.

While Hamilton’s speed has already translated at the major-league level (he stole 57 bases across parts of three seasons in Boston), his offensive production remains an area the Brewers are focused on improving.

Over 204 career games, the left-handed hitter has posted a .222 batting average with modest on-base and power numbers.

Murphy emphasized that refining Hamilton’s offensive approach will be critical to unlocking his full potential.

“There’s so much in there offensively,” Murphy said. “We’ve got to get it out of there. It’s not going to be easy. You can’t change habits just like that. … It’s more about what he’s looking for at the plate, how he sees himself as an offensive player. It’s a whole awareness of who he can become.”

Hamilton’s most likely path to regular playing time could come through a shared role at third base while also serving as a backup option at shortstop.

If his offensive adjustments take hold, however, then the Brewers believe he has the tools to emerge as a valuable everyday contributor during the 2026 season.

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