After Prince Fielder departed the Milwaukee Brewers following the 2011 season, the team struggled to find a consistent replacement at first base. Filling the shoes of a player like Fielder—who held down the position from 2006 to 2011 while averaging 38 home runs, 108 RBIs, and slashing .282/.390/.540—was no easy task.
In fact, it turned out to be nearly impossible for Milwaukee. Between 2012 and 2021, the Brewers had a different Opening Day first baseman every year. It wasn’t until Rowdy Tellez started back-to-back Opening Days in 2022 and 2023 that the team found some continuity at the position.
Now, Rhys Hoskins has taken on the role, starting on Opening Day in each of the last two seasons. However, with the third year of his contract being a mutual option worth \$18 million—a figure the Brewers are unlikely to commit to—they may be in the market for yet another new first baseman by 2026.
Former Milwaukee Brewers First Baseman Rowdy Tellez Has Signed with the Texas Rangers
As the Brewers continue their search for a long-term solution at first base, former starter Rowdy Tellez is simply trying to maintain his place in Major League Baseball. Since leaving Milwaukee after the 2023 season, Tellez has struggled to secure consistent playing time—largely due to his ongoing difficulties hitting left-handed pitchers.
In 2024, he played for the Pittsburgh Pirates, batting .243/.299/.392 with 13 home runs and 56 RBIs over 131 games. Despite the decent power numbers, the Pirates chose not to bring him back for the 2025 season.
Tellez began the 2025 campaign with the Seattle Mariners, but his increased strikeout rate and continued struggles against left-handers made him a tough fit in their lineup. After hitting just .208/.249/.434 with 11 home runs and 27 RBIs across 62 games, the Mariners released him last week.
On July 4, it was reported that Tellez had signed a deal to join the Texas Rangers’ minor league system, marking his fourth MLB organization in three years.
The Rangers, currently sitting at 43–45, have Jake Burger—who bats right-handed—starting at first base. Burger has underperformed, posting a .217/.249/.393 slash line with 10 homers and 29 RBIs in 67 games. He’s struggled even more against right-handed pitchers, batting just .206/.234/.361.
Tellez, on the other hand, has hit .219/.257/.463 against righties this year, with all 11 of his home runs coming against them. While he may not represent a major upgrade for Texas, the Rangers are likely hoping he can improve his plate discipline in the minors and eventually contribute as part of a first base platoon.