The Milwaukee Brewers have several options that they can use at first base, and each of those players will have to perform well.
The Milwaukee Brewers are welcoming back several infielders for the 2026 season, some of which are first basemen. With previews for pitchers and catchers out of the way, it is time to start viewing the third position on the diamond.
The Brewers have four players listed on their depth chart to play first base: Andrew Vaughn, Jake Bauers, Andruw Monasterio, and Tyler Black. Though, it is worth noting that not every name will see equal playing time at the position.
Andrew Vaughn, 1B: The Brewers acquired Vaughn in a June 13 trade that sent right-hander Aaron Civale and cash to the Chicago White Sox. Though he only appeared in 64 games (58 starts) with Milwaukee in 2025, he still saw the most time at the position out of each of the names on this list.
In saying this, it is likely that the starting job at first base is Vaughn’s to lose. The 27-year-old had four errors during his truncated season with the Brewers but is an effective defender otherwise. At the plate, Vaughn put up a .308 batting average once he got to Milwaukee with nine home runs and 46 RBIs.
With a full offseason under his belt with his new team, the expectation is that Vaughn will fit seamlessly into the Brewers’ system and be a reliable contributor in their quest for another October appearance.
Jake Bauers, Utility: Bauers did a little bit of everything last season — he even pitched in five games. Yet, even as a utility player, most of his reps came at first base. He was a disciplined defender at the position, but he has not been a very productive offensive player throughout his career.
However, Bauers did put up career-high numbers in batting average (.235), OBP (.353) and OPS (.752) last season. While far from great, it does illustrate improvement, and the Brewers probably expect him to elevate his offenive game even more.
Andruw Monasterio, INF: Monasterio saw time all over the infield in his third MLB season with the Brewers. Through 68 games, the 28-year-old spent most of his time at shortstop (37 games) but made his second-most appearances at first base (15 games).
Monasterio logged a perfect fielding percentage in that limited sample size, demonstrating his ability to play the position if needed. In 2026, the Brewers will expect him to fill the role if called upon.
Tyler Black, INF/OF: Black is the most raw, unproven talent of the four players listed here. He is only 25 and is entering his third MLB season. Last season, he played just two games at first base, one of which was a start.
The best the Brewers can expect with Black is that he continues to develop into a solid depth piece that can be used at first base if absolutely necessary.
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