Coming into the season, Milwaukee Brewers left fielder Isaac Collins had 19 major-league plate appearances. He was 27 years old and on the fringes of prospect status. But the Creighton product has made the most of his chance in Milwaukee, providing productive at bats, speed, and solid defense.
Collins did his part in the Brewers’ 5-3 loss the Cubs on Tuesday, smacking his third homerun of the season and doubling in his next at bat. Sustaining an outfield depth chart depleted by injury, he has helped keep the unit afloat. His contributions may be going under the radar, but they should not go unappreciated.
Isaac Collins Has Given Milwaukee Brewers Surprisingly Good Backup Plan
Collins’ numbers aren’t anything special. Even after Tuesday night’s performance, he is slashing an unremarkable .242/.349/.375 with three homeruns and 13 RBIs in 128 at bats. He has provided more, however, than the average replacement player – Collins’ name is next to the definition – as manifested in a 0.6 WAR. That ranks seventh among Brewers position players.
Against the Cubs, he once again started in left field, where he has seen most of his innings, batting sixth in manager Pat Murphy’s lineup. His opportunity there is largely due to Garrett Mitchell’s injury, which has kept the latter out since April 25 and reduced the team’s outfield options. In Mitchell’s absence, Jackson Chourio has shifted to center, leaving left field open. As next man up, Collins capitalized on his chance.
With Mitchell nearing a return, Collins’ playing time is likely poised to decrease. Blake Perkins, last year’s primary center fielder, is also making his way back after being sidelined all season thus far. Even when both players return, though, Collins should retain his roster spot in a lesser role, thanks to his versatility. In addition to the outfield, he can also play second and third.
What Happens When the Others Get Healthy?
Collins’ unlikely if modest success story follows a productive 2024 at Triple-A, earning him a September callup. He then made the team out of spring training this season and has been a fixture in a platoon role.
Although Collins is also a good base stealer (seven steals in nine attempts), a keen eye is probably his best offensive quality. In 35 June plate appearances, he has walked seven times. He’s heating up with the stick, too, now batting .286 this month with two homers and six driven in.
Mitchell should retake a starting job when he comes back, but he had struggled at the plate before being injured. If Collins keeps up his recent play, even with Perkins in the mix, he’ll keep getting at bats one way or another as the Brewers continue their playoff chase.
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