After the 2002 season, Podsednik was acquired by the Milwaukee Brewers organization from Seattle for $20,000. Podsednik rebounded with a fine rookie season in Milwaukee, compiling a .314 batting average, 43 stolen bases, 100 runs scored, 175 hits, 29 doubles, eight triples, nine home runs, 58 runs batted in, 56 walks and a .379 on-base percentage for the Brewers. While only inserted permanently into the starting lineup in mid-May, Podsednik still finished second to the Florida Marlins' Dontrelle Willis in the official Rookie of the Year balloting.