Brewers' early-season Brandon Woodruff question makes a hot Cubs start critical

I'd like to think the raucous 'Freddddyyyyy' chants from Chicago Cubs faithful last October are what really drove Freddy Peralta from the NL Central, even though we all know it's because the Milwaukee Brewers, perhaps more so than any team in baseball, know when it's time to sell and capitalize with players on expiring contracts.

Either way, the Freddy Peralta era is over in Milwaukee, and there's more weight than ever on the right shoulder of veteran hurler Brandon Woodruff. The team brought him back via the qualifying offer, making him the highest-paid pitcher in franchise history in the process at a tick north of $22 million for the 2026 season.

Brewers ace Brandon Woodruff unsure of his status for Opening Day

It was a big gamble for the small-market Brewers - one that their season may depend on. And while there haven't been any red warning bells going off yet, Woodruff might not be a full go to open the regular season, which could give the Cubs a chance to get off to a strong start in the race for the NL Central.

“It’s up in the air right now. I know that term’s used a lot but, like I said, there’s one goal I have this year and that’s to be healthy… I want to be available at the end of the year when it matters most. What that looks like early on could be a little bit different. There’s nothing set in concrete. All I know is I threw 25 pitches today live. I feel good. I feel good after, sitting here talking to you guys. That’s a great sign, so I’ll just continue to build off that and progress.”

Woodruff acknowledged it's 'too early to tell' what his status will be for Opening Day as he looks to rebound from a shortened 2025 season that was curtailed by a shoulder procedure and a lat strain. It could be something akin to the Cubs' likely approach with Justin Steele - focusing on the big picture, as opposed to rushing him back for early-season starts - but after losing the division to their northern neighbors again last year, Chicago will take any potential edge it can get.

The Cubs and Brewers don't meet for the first time until May 18, so it's not like a late start to the year for Woodruff would give Craig Counsell's club a leg up in a head-to-head matchup. But if it means Milwaukee is piecing it together a bit in his absence, a strong start early in the year could wind up being a difference maker as the North Siders seek their first division crown since 2020.