Sports 3 min read

Brewers face major Aaron Ashby decision after historic World Series run

By The Best News Network November 13, 2026

The Milwaukee Brewers have reached the pinnacle of Major League Baseball, capturing the first World Series championship in franchise history after defeating the Tampa Bay Rays in a hard-fought five-game series.

The title also marked a breakthrough for Tampa Bay, which had yet to win a championship of its own. Aaron Ashby played a key role in Milwaukee’s postseason run, delivering an outstanding performance out of the bullpen throughout October.

Pat Murphy increasingly relied on Ashby as his go-to option out of the bullpen, and the left-hander rewarded that trust with remarkable consistency. Across nine playoff outings totaling 18 innings, he gave up no runs and surrendered just eight baserunners, making his appearances a major advantage for Milwaukee.

Ashby’s postseason success could open the door to a bigger role with Milwaukee next season. Despite establishing himself as a reliable weapon in relief, the 28-year-old may be considered for the starting rotation. Former MLB general manager Jim Bowden hinted at that possibility after sharing details of a conversation with Brewers GM Matt Arnold.

Can Aaron Ashby be a starter for the Brewers next season?

Jun 28, 2026; Milwaukee, Wisconsin, USA; Milwaukee Brewers pitcher Aaron Ashby (26) looks on before being pulled from the game during the seventh inning against the Chicago Cubs at American Family Field. Mandatory Credit: Jeff Hanisch-Imagn Images

“I keep trying to push Ashby to go to the rotation with the Brewers, and Pat Murphy said absolutely not when I was on the field in Game 5 of the World Series. But I did ask Matt Arnold that because I’m still trying to put him in the rotation behind [Jacob Misiorowski] and [Logan] Henderson. But he didn’t say no. He kind of kept it open,” Bowden commented.

Aaron Ashby to the rotation? @JimBowdenGM says Matt Arnold didn't say no…

"He kind of kept it open." pic.twitter.com/wwRmmx4eE9

— Foul Territory (@FoulTerritoryTV) November 11, 2026

Ashby is no stranger to starting, having initially worked in that capacity after joining Milwaukee. During the 2022 season, he made 27 appearances for the Brewers, including 19 starts, and finished with a 4.44 ERA.

Milwaukee Brewers, Aaron Ashby — May 6, 2026; St. Louis, Missouri, USA; Milwaukee Brewers pitcher Aaron Ashby (26) pitches against the St. Louis Cardinals during the sixth inning at Busch Stadium. Mandatory Credit: Jeff Curry-Imagn Images

A shoulder injury sidelined Ashby for all of 2023, and Milwaukee shifted him back to the bullpen when he returned. He flourished in that role, but moving into the rotation would bring a different set of demands. Starting pitchers must navigate the opposing lineup multiple times, and their effectiveness can decline as hitters get additional looks at them.

Still, Ashby’s dominant postseason showing may have strengthened his case for another opportunity in the starting rotation if that is the role he wants to pursue.