For the first time since 2017, the World Baseball Classic (WBC) will be played. In 2017, the Miami Marlins, Christian Yelich, helped Team USA defeat Team Puerto Rico for the championship. The 2023 version of the WBC will have 67 MLB All-Stars, 186 players on 40-man rosters and 332 players under contract with big league teams. Several of that number come from the Milwaukee Brewers organization, including Willy Adames for Team Dominican Republic, Devin Williams for Team USA, and Rowdy Tellez and Luis Urias for Team Mexico.
Just like the Brewers, most MLB organizations have a multitude of players participating in the WBC. Most of those teams are holding their collective breaths hoping that everyone remains healthy as the 2023 regular baseball season approaches. With those anxieties acknowledged, there are players that will be impacted more than others this Spring Training. There are four Brewers players that are more likely to benefit or suffer because of the WBC.
Milwaukee will have 3/4 of its starting infield involved with the WBC. This opens the door for three infielders to prove themselves worthy of something more than they have been able to achieve to this point. The WBC will also give one outfield prospect the chance to demonstrate his talent on a world stage playing against some of the best talent ever assembled for a baseball tournament.
- Brice Turang: Turang is one of Milwaukee’s top prospects, and there was some thought that he would take over one of the infield spots for the Brew Crew with the exit of Kolten Wong to Seattle. With the additions of Brian Anderson, Abraham Toro, and Owen Miller it would seem the plan is more likely to be starting the young infielder in Nashville for 2023. Turang certainly proved himself worthy of getting a look on the 2023 roster by belting 13 home runs and slashing .286/.360/.412 in AAA Nashville last season. He is an exceptional defender, and now sooner than later might be the time for the 23-year old. Manager, Craig Counsell, and the coaching staff will have Turang in the lineup a lot this Spring. Turang just might prove that he belongs on the major league roster, and he might also prove he is the Brewers best bet for 2B or 3B on Opening Day.
- Keston Hiura: It is make-or-break time for the once heralded Brewers prospect, now disappointment. Hiura burst on the scene in 2019 slashing .303/.368/.570. Since then, Hiura has inflamed optimism with a few hot streaks and even more dismay with an inability to catch up to the high fastball and suspect defense. Something has to click for Hiura, not just for the Brewers, but for his own sake. His power is legit, and he came up with scouting reports touting his bat-to-ball skills. He should get increased reps in Spring Training. If he shows himself well, it is possible that Counsell finds the confidence to get him in the lineup more often in 2023. It is also possible he shows enough that another team becomes confident enough to trade for his potential upside.
- Brian Anderson: General Manager, Matt Arnold, brought the former Marlin to Milwaukee to play 3B primarily, while also logging some time in the outfield. 2021 and 2022 were not seasons to remember for Anderson as he battled shoulder issues resulting in subpar offensive production. He says he is healthy, and he will getting plenty of opportunity this Spring to show it. That will go a long way to solidify Anderson as the everyday 3B for Milwaukee in 2023. Having a player that slashes something in the neighborhood of .266/.350/.436, which is his slash line average from 2018-2020, while playing quality defense at the hot corner would be welcome. If Anderson is healthy and gets the lion’s share of playing time, also look for him to increase his home run totals slightly. https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=rUMuQ-jT_sw
- Sal Frelick: Frelick’s inclusion on this list has to do with his participation in the WBC for Team Italy as opposed to playing time in Spring Training. Frelick is one of the Brewers top prospects, and he took the minor leagues by storm in 2022, moving through three different levels until reaching AAA Nashville. He got better with each level he attained. For the Nashville Sounds he hit for a wRC+ of 155 across 217 plate appearances. Another prospect once demonstrated his ability for Team Italy in 2017. His name was Brandon Nimmo. One could see Frelick having a similar type of baseball career. If he plays well in the WBC, it gets difficult offering excuses of why he should not be in the Brewers starting lineup on Opening Day.
The 2023 season should be interesting for the Milwaukee Brewers. Fan confidence going into the upcoming season is not as pronounced as in previous seasons. The fact is, the Brewers will compete for the National League Central title and a place in the playoffs this season. If just a couple of the players mentioned in this post produce in 2023, Milwaukee should do really well this season. And seeing so many Brewers players playing throughout the WBC will be really fun too.
Baseball statistics courtesy of Fangraphs
