Last Updated: June 17th, 2026 by Michael Schatz
Discover the legendary arms that have taken the mound for the Milwaukee Brewers. From Cy Young winners to Hall of Famers, these 11 pitchers have left an indelible mark on the franchise’s history through their remarkable achievements and memorable performances.
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1. Teddy Higuera: The Brewers’ All-Time WAR Leader
Teddy Higuera dominated the mound from 1985-1994, compiling an impressive 94-64 record with a 3.61 ERA. His stellar 1986 campaign saw him go 20-11 with a 2.79 ERA and 207 strikeouts. The Mexican southpaw holds the franchise record with 32 complete games and leads all Brewers pitchers with a 30.3 WAR. His 1,081 strikeouts rank third in team history, making him one of the most dominant pitchers to ever wear a Brewers uniform.
2. Ben Sheets: The Strikeout King
Ben Sheets became the face of the Brewers’ pitching staff in the 2000s, earning four All-Star selections while posting an 86-83 record with a 3.72 ERA. His most memorable achievement came in 2004 when he struck out 18 Atlanta Braves, setting a franchise record. That same season, he posted a remarkable 2.70 ERA and 264 strikeouts in 237 innings. His career 25.6 WAR stands as the second-highest among all Brewers pitchers.
3. Jim Slaton: Milwaukee’s Iron Man
Jim Slaton stands as the franchise leader in multiple categories, including wins (117), starts (268), and innings pitched (2,025⅓). During his two stints with the Brewers (1971-1977, 1979-1983), he established himself as the model of consistency. His 19 shutouts remain a team record, and he maintained a solid 3.86 ERA throughout his Milwaukee tenure, despite often pitching for struggling teams.
4. Corbin Burnes: The Modern Ace
Corbin Burnes established himself as one of baseball’s elite pitchers during his Brewers career. His dominant 2021 season earned him the NL Cy Young Award with a spectacular 2.43 ERA and 234 strikeouts. He holds franchise records for WHIP, H/9, and K/9, while posting a career 3.26 ERA. His historic 2021 campaign included an MLB record 58 strikeouts before issuing his first walk.
5. Brandon Woodruff: Mr. Consistency
Brandon Woodruff emerged as one of the most reliable starters in Brewers history, maintaining a stellar 3.10 ERA throughout his tenure. A two-time All-Star (2019, 2021), his career 171 ERA+ leads all qualified Brewers starters. His combination of power pitching and precision made him a cornerstone of the rotation during the team’s competitive years.
6. Mike Caldwell: The Complete Game Master
Mike Caldwell was crucial to the Brewers’ success in the early 1980s, winning 102 games with a 3.74 ERA. His remarkable 1978 season saw him go 22-9 with a 2.36 ERA and finish second in Cy Young voting. That year, he completed 23 games, showcasing the durability that made him invaluable to the team’s rotation during their most successful period.
7. Rollie Fingers: The Hall of Fame Closer
Rollie Fingers made an indelible mark on Brewers history during his brief but brilliant tenure. In 1981, he achieved the rare feat of winning both the AL MVP and Cy Young Award, posting a microscopic 1.04 ERA with 28 saves. The Hall of Famer recorded 97 saves for Milwaukee with a 2.54 ERA and was instrumental in the team’s first World Series appearance in 1982.
8. Pete Vuckovich: The Cy Young Champion
Pete Vuckovich captured the 1982 AL Cy Young Award while leading the Brewers to their first World Series appearance. During that championship season, he posted an impressive 18-6 record with a 3.34 ERA. Known for his intense competitive spirit, he finished his Brewers career with a strong 40-26 record and became a fan favorite for his big-game performances.
9. Chris Bosio: The No-Hit Wonder
Chris Bosio compiled a solid 67-62 record with a 3.76 ERA for Milwaukee, including a memorable no-hitter against Seattle in 1993. His 18.6 WAR ranks among the franchise’s best, and he struck out 924 batters in 1,190 innings as a Brewer. His consistency helped bridge the gap between eras and established him as one of the team’s most reliable starters.
10. Yovani Gallardo: The Strikeout Artist
Yovani Gallardo holds the franchise record with 1,226 strikeouts and was a model of consistency during his Brewers tenure. The 2010 All-Star posted an impressive 89-64 record with a 3.69 ERA. His 211 starts rank third in team history, and his ability to both strike out batters and eat innings made him one of the most valuable pitchers in Brewers history.
11. Dan Plesac: The Three-Time All-Star Closer
Dan Plesac held the franchise record for saves (133) until 2007 and made three consecutive All-Star teams from 1987-1989. He maintained an excellent 3.21 ERA during his Brewers career while striking out 9.5 batters per nine innings. His versatility in both closing and setup roles made him an invaluable member of the bullpen and one of the most successful relievers in team history.