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Projecting Luis Rengifo’s role with the 2026 Milwaukee Brewers
Projecting Luis Rengifo’s role with the 2026 Milwaukee Brewers 1 Sep 25, 2025; Anaheim, California, USA; Los Angeles Angels designated hitter Mike Trout (27), right, is greeted by third baseman Luis Rengifo (2) after hitting a home run during the eighth inning against the Kansas City Royals at Angel Stadium. Mandatory Credit: William Liang-Imagn Images

Utility infielder Luis Rengifo is heading to the Milwaukee Brewers. The former long time Los Angeles Angel has signed a one year deal with the team, that includes a mutual option for 2027. Reportedly his base salary for 2026 will be $3.5 million, with the ability to earn $1.5 million more in incentives. The second year option is valued at $10.0 million.

With experience at third base, second base, shortstop and all three outfield spots last season, Rengifo’s versatility is a significant asset, even if the advanced defensive metrics suggest he hasn’t necessarily excelled at any one position. Most notably, the Brewers have an opening at third base following the Caleb Durbin trade, making it a logical starting point for Rengifo to get the first opportunity there.

Projecting Luis Rengifo’s role with the 2026 Milwaukee Brewers

After signing an incentive-laden contract, the Brewers will likely give Rengifo the first opportunity at third base and a meaningful runway to potentially reach those performance escalators. Structuring the deal this way is a savvy move by Milwaukee, as it creates built-in motivation for Rengifo to bounce back and produce, particularly after a down 2025 campaign.

Last season, the switch-hitter slashed just .238/.287/.335 with nine home runs, 43 RBIs and 10 stolen bases. For his career, he’s topped out at 17 homers, 52 RBIs and 24 steals in a single season. That said, his profile aligns with the Brewers’ typical offensive mold, highlighted by strong contact skills and a career strikeout rate around 18 percent.

If he embraces Milwaukee’s philosophy of prioritizing on-base ability and can elevate his OBP, he could fit seamlessly into a lineup that wouldn’t be relying on him for major power production but instead steady, complementary offense.

Ultimately, Rengifo profiles as a flexible, low-risk piece in the Brewers’ 2026 plans. He may not be counted on to anchor the lineup, but his positional versatility, contact-oriented approach and switch-hitting ability give Milwaukee options.

If he can stabilize third base for a year, the organization will be happy as he likely will serve as a bridge player before infield prospects like Jesus Made, Luis Pena, Cooper Pratt, Brock Wilken, and others are ready to make the jump to the big leagues

This article first appeared on WI Sports Heroics and was syndicated with permission.

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