Milwaukee Brewers Sign Veteran Catcher Reese McGuire

The Milwaukee Brewers added experienced depth at catcher by signing Reese McGuire to a minor league contract that includes an invitation to major league spring training. The move gives Milwaukee a steady veteran option behind starter William Contreras as the club reshapes its catching depth ahead of the 2026 season.

McGuire’s Track Record and Skill Set

McGuire, who turns 31 in March, brings parts of eight major league seasons of experience across four organizations, most recently with the Chicago Cubs. He appeared in 44 games last season, hitting .226 with nine home runs and 24 RBIs. Over his career, the former first-round pick has posted a .248 batting average with 25 home runs in just under 400 games.

While his offensive output has remained modest, McGuire carved out a consistent role as a backup catcher due to his defensive reliability. He grades well in framing and blocking and owns a career caught-stealing rate north of 27 percent, traits that continue to keep him relevant even as teams emphasize pitcher handling and run prevention behind the plate.

Why the Brewers Made the Move

Milwaukee entered the offseason thin at catcher beyond Contreras. Danny Jansen, who served as the primary backup down the stretch last season, departed in free agency, leaving top prospect Jeferson Quero as the only other catcher on the 40-man roster. At just 23, Quero projects as the long-term answer but still needs consistent playing time rather than a limited backup role.

Adding McGuire gives the Brewers flexibility. If he performs well in camp, he can handle backup duties early in the season, allowing Quero to develop at Triple-A Nashville. McGuire’s lack of minor league options also factors into the equation, increasing the likelihood that he either breaks camp with the club or serves as immediate depth.

Roster Implications Moving Forward

Contreras remains firmly entrenched as the everyday catcher, but McGuire now sits at the front of the competition for the No. 2 job. His presence stabilizes a position that briefly lacked clarity and reduces pressure on Quero to be rushed to the majors.

For Milwaukee, the signing reflects a familiar approach: pairing a cornerstone starter with a defense-first veteran who can absorb innings, manage pitching staffs, and keep the roster functional over a long season. It may not be a headline-grabber, but it’s a pragmatic move that fits the Brewers’ recent roster-building tendencies.

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