The Biloxi Shuckers went 45-69 during last years minor league baseball season. In this article, I will break down what the 2021 Double-A season meant for the Biloxi Shuckers and their big-league affiliates in Milwaukee.
Biloxi competes in the South division of Double-A, formerly known as the Southern League. The Shuckers ended the season fourth place in the division and missed the playoffs. At the conclusion of the season, the Shuckers trailed the division leaders and eventual Double-A South champions, the Mississippi Braves by 23.5 games.
Names to Know from 2021
Garrett Mitchell
If you follow the Brewers enough to be reading an article about the Biloxi Shuckers, odds are you already know the name Garrett Mitchell. The Brewers’ first-round pick from 2020 made the jump to Double-A midway through the season. He started the minor league season putting up solid numbers in High-A with the Wisconsin Timber Rattlers. The switch from High A to Double-A is widely regarded as the hardest switch a baseball player will make until they join the big leagues. True to that, Mitchell struggled offensively in Biloxi. However, he was also plagued by injuries. Mitchell could see a huge uptick in productivity this season if he can stay healthy.
Mitch Longo
The outfielder out of Ohio University spent the majority of the 2021 season in Biloxi, spending 20 games up in Triple-A Nashville in the middle of the season. He logged a .308 batting average in AA. He won AA South Offensive Player of the Week Honors in September after returning to AA. At the end of the MiLB season, the 27 year old elected free agency. Even though he might not make it big as a Brewer, keep an eye out for him as a productive hitter somewhere in the league.
Payton Henry
Another notable player is catcher Payton Henry, who had a hot start to the 2021 season in Biloxi. He ended up with a .315 batting average in Biloxi. Henry was traded in June of 2021 to the Marlins to acquire reliever John Curtiss. He’s had trouble staying consistent in the Marlins’ organization, but is likely to be called up to the big leagues this season after making his MLB debut with them last season.
2022 Season Outlook
Looking at the Shuckers’ 2021 record, it might be easy to be discouraged given their record. However, as we gear up for the 2022 season, there are some exciting prospects who likely will be playing for them. Top overall prospects, Sal Frelick and Joey Wiemer have joined the lineup in spring training along with Freddy Zamora, all of whom played High-A ball last year.
As a small-market team, the Brewers are more dependent on their farm system than a team with deeper pockets. Milwaukee has no choice but to be “built not bought”. Success in the minor leagues goes much further than a team’s win-loss record.
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