Our season report card series continues. Here we will be looking at Brewers infielder Luis Urias and how he performed during the 2021 season.
After arriving to the Brewers via trade during the 2020 off-season, Urias entered his second season with the Crew competing for the everyday shortstop job during spring training and was expected to split time with Orlando Arcia. However, one week into the regular season Arcia was traded. This resulted in Urias being promoted to the everyday shortstop.
Unfortunately, Urias stumbled both offensively and defensively as the every day shortstop. Prior to May 22nd, the day Willy Adames was acquired, Urias was slashing .211/.322/.390/.712. In the field, he had a knack for missing routine throws and errors often came in bunches.
Once Adames took over at shortstop, Urias played a good amount of third base and also filled in at second base as well. Whether or not this transition was related or not, the result was improved offense and defensive play. At seasons end, Urias finished the year with a .249/.345/.445/.789 line, 23 home runs, 75 RBIs, and a 111 wRC+. His play impressed manager Craig Counsell enough that he drew two starts at third base over Eduardo Escobar in the post-season.
From a defensive standpoint, Urias finished the year with six defensive runs saved as a third basemen. Just nine of his 24 errors on the year occurred at this position. This was a drastic change compared to his 14 as a shortstop that occurred in a rather brief period of time.
The biggest question going forward is the plan for Luis Urias. Will he enter 2022 as the everyday third basemen or utility infielder? His stats indicate that he has played well enough to earn a chance, so it will be interesting to see what the Brewers decide to do.
Luis Urias 2021 Season Grade: B+
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