Sal Frelick, 23, provided a much-needed boost to the Milwaukee Brewers’ outfield defense after being promoted from Triple-A Nashville last season.
The 2021 first-round pick was spectacular, recording seven outs and a 1.000 fielding percentage while playing both right and left field. Frelick also slashed.In 57 regular-season games with the big league team, he batted 246/.341/.351, with three home runs and 24 RBI.
As a result of Frelick’s strong defensive performance in the majors, the Brewers assigned him additional responsibility for Spring Training, including learning another position.
According to Ken Rosenthal of The Athletic, Frelick worked out with former Boston Red Sox legend Dustin Pedroia this offseason to learn how to play infield. Rosenthal adds that new Brewers manager Pat Murphy arranged Frelick’s training as he prepares to play second and third base in Spring Training.
With the Brewers’ glut of outfield talent, from Jackson Chourio to Christian Yelich, Frelick may see more opportunities if he can play second or third base in spring training.
However, Frelick hasn’t played infield since high school and a summer league before attending Boston College in 2018 and 2020.
As things stand, the Brewers appear to be set at second base with Brice Turang. However, Andruw Monasterio, who had similar offensive stats to Frelick last season, may pose a challenge at third base.
The Brewers have the fourth-best odds to win the NL Central this season (+550 on FanDuel Sportsbook). However, having another young player, such as Frelick, receive more reps will only benefit the organization in the long run.
