In 2018, the Milwaukee Brewers drafted Brice Turang 21st overall. Throughout his first few seasons in professional baseball, Turang was known for his glove, speed, and advanced batters eye. In 2022, he added power to his game that was reportedly due to a swing change.
With the exception of his rookie season (2018), Turang has drawn 60 or more walks each season. He drew 83 free passes in 2019, 60 in 2021, and 65 in 2022. Additionally, he stole 84 bases over those three seasons.
Defensively, Turang has shown the ability to stick at his originally drafted position in shortstop. He also is solid at second base and has experience in center field.
Overall, Turang’s defensive versatility, speed, and advanced batters eye were enough to progress him through the minor leagues as a prospect. In 2022, he then unlocked some power in his swing.
This off-season, he was added to the Brewers 40-man roster and will be competing for at-bats as a second baseman.
According to Aram Leighton, Turang unlocked some power in 2022 due to a change in his swing.
In a recent article, Leighton has videos demonstrating Turang’s swing change. To summarize, he widened his stance by starting slightly open with his weight more stacked on his back side to start. He also adjusted his hands further away from his body and tweaked his leg kick.
The results ended up being an increase in slugging as well as exit velocity. He ended up producing more 105+ MPH batted balls in 2022 than the previous two seasons combined as well as hitting a career high 13 home runs and 24 doubles.
Leighton also points out that Turang made a four mile-per-hour jump in 90th percentile exit velocity. He especially improved in exit velocity on fastballs but his swing change allowed him to punish mistake pitches as well.
There is a lot to be excited about with Brice Turang in 2023. He should get an extended look during spring training and a good month of March could secure him an opening day roster spot.
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