Between 2011 and 2021, the Milwaukee Brewers cycled through a different starting first baseman each Opening Day for 11 consecutive seasons. This stretch began with Prince Fielder’s final year with the club in 2011 and concluded with Rowdy Tellez making his first full-season debut in 2021. During this period, the Brewers experimented with various players at first base—including Corey Hart, Keston Hiura, Eric Thames, Jesús Aguilar, and even long-time outfielder Ryan Braun. Despite the revolving door of talent, none of these players managed to secure the role long-term.
In recent seasons, Rhys Hoskins has held down the position and provided a solid power presence in the lineup. However, despite his contributions, he’s not seen as a cornerstone at first base for Milwaukee’s future. The Brewers even attempted to trade Hoskins during the offseason, shortly after he exercised his $18 million player option for the 2024 season. His uncertain status underscores the team’s ongoing struggle to find a dependable, long-term solution at first base.
The challenge of developing a stable, in-house option at first base has been a persistent issue for Milwaukee. But that may be poised to change thanks to a growing pool of talent within the organization’s farm system. The franchise appears more equipped than ever to end its long-standing instability at the position.
In fact, the Brewers recently made a move that reflects their abundance of promising options at first base—they traded Wes Clarke to the Houston Astros. Clarke, a designated hitter and first baseman, had shown significant power in the minors, with 72 career home runs to his name. However, his path to the big leagues in Milwaukee was increasingly blocked by a logjam of talented players ahead of him on the depth chart.
A quick look at the Triple-A Nashville roster reveals the depth at this position. Ernesto Martinez Jr. has been performing well, batting .260 with a strong .393 on-base percentage and tallying five home runs with 23 RBIs. Meanwhile, Bobby Dalbec, who was formerly with the White Sox, has posted an impressive .284 batting average along with nine home runs and 34 RBIs.
Additionally, Tyler Black is expected to return to regular action soon following recovery from a hand injury. The team also recently acquired Andrew Vaughn—a major leaguer with 77 career home runs—in a trade with the Tampa Bay Rays for Aaron Civale, adding yet another capable first baseman to the roster.
With this kind of depth, the Brewers had little choice but to make space. Trading Clarke allowed the organization to focus on players with more advanced development or better fit within the team’s future plans. Although Clarke’s numbers this year include a modest .216 batting average, his strong .352 on-base percentage and six home runs in 46 games showcase his continued power. That said, his high strikeout count (55 in 46 games) likely factored into the team’s decision to move on.
Brewers fans weren’t shocked by the trade, understanding that Clarke’s opportunities were limited by the talent ahead of him. His departure could serve him well, however, as the Astros might offer a clearer path to the majors than Milwaukee could.
With their farm system thriving at first base, the Brewers may finally be on track to solve the position’s revolving door—and build long-term stability for seasons to come.
