Mark Attanasio: Brewers Owner’s Spring Training Address in 2026

Brewers Owner Addresses Team with Optimism as Spring Training Begins

Feb. 17, 2026 – PHOENIX – Milwaukee Brewers principal owner Mark Attanasio addressed the team and staff Tuesday morning at American Family Fields of Phoenix, prior to the first official full-squad workout of spring training.

Attanasio’s remarks came as the Brewers begin preparations for the 2026 season, a season he reportedly feels optimistic about, given the team’s accomplishments in 2025. While specific details of his address weren’t released, the timing suggests a positive outlook as players take the field.

The Brewers’ first spring training game is scheduled for Saturday afternoon against the San Diego Padres, marking the beginning of a new evaluation period for players vying for a spot on the roster. Attanasio indicated an expectation for success this year, noting the opportunity for young players to demonstrate their abilities at the major league level.

According to Attanasio, the organization’s focus is on winning, rather than simply developing prospects. He acknowledged that while a strong farm system is valuable, the ultimate goal is to “hang banners for winning.” This suggests a commitment to immediate competitiveness alongside the continued development of young talent.

Attanasio also highlighted the importance of developing players at the major league level, anticipating that this process may present some challenges. He drew a parallel to a previous rebuilding phase under former General Manager David Stearns, stating that the current wave of players is expected to contribute to a winning team, unlike the earlier phase focused primarily on development.

The Brewers have experienced recent success, winning multiple division titles in recent years. This success has been particularly notable given that Milwaukee is the smallest market in Major League Baseball. Former Brewers owner Bud Selig has praised Attanasio’s ability to build a consistent winner despite these challenges, stating that Attanasio’s accomplishments “defy every rule of logic.”

Selig noted the Brewers’ recent success, including winning three consecutive division titles, four of the last five, and reaching the postseason in seven of the last eight years. Despite a relatively low payroll of $115 million in 2025, the Brewers finished the regular season with the best record in MLB (97-65), a feat not achieved since 1982.

Attanasio has emphasized the importance of consistent competition and acknowledged the difficulty of maintaining success. He also pointed to a challenging start to the 2025 season, where the Brewers initially had the biggest negative run differential in MLB history, as a reminder not to take anything for granted.

The Brewers’ ability to overcome early struggles and achieve a winning record underscores the organization’s resilience and commitment to improvement. Attanasio’s leadership has been instrumental in transforming the Brewers into a consistent contender, even within the constraints of a small market.

Mark Attanasio is also the Chairman and Principal Owner of the Milwaukee Brewers, according to the team’s staff directory. He also has an advisory board consisting of Robert Beyer.