Milwaukee Brewers first baseman and designated hitter Jake Bauers was acquired from the New York Yankees via trade this off-season. His ability to provide power and be a home run threat is one major reason why he was brought in. So far he has gotten off to a slow start offensively, but he has been flashing the leather at first base.
Jake Bauers has played great defensively for the Milwaukee Brewers.

11 games into the 2024 season there is not much objective data to back up Bauer’s great playing at first base, but the eye test does tell you that he is excelling. On numerous occasions he has come up with short hop picks from his infielders and he has made a number of diving grabs at first base. Rhys Hoskins is the only other option Milwaukee has on the current 40-man roster and so far Bauers seems to be the better defensive choice.
The Milwaukee Brewers often have three shortstop playing in the infield.

With defensive shift changes being implemented into the game a season ago traits such as range and arm strength are now even more important for infielders. Milwaukee has taken an all shortstop type of approach early on this year as Willy Adames anchors down the true shortstop position, but capable MLB shortstops Brice Turang and Joey Ortiz are oftentimes alongside him at second and third base.
Jake Bauers had a great one liner regarding the stoutness of the Brewers infield.

In a video posted by Adam McCalvy of MLB.com a question was asked about Bauer’s thoughts on playing with three other shortstops spread about the diamond. He responded with a great one liner by saying, “I would argue four because my glove is on the wrong side.” After the joke he went on to talk about the brilliance of his infielders play so far.
Jake Bauers hasn’t hit much but he’s played a great first base. And he had a great line when @Todd_Rosiak asked about sharing a Brewers infield with three shortstops. pic.twitter.com/sYQKKUfPrw
— Adam McCalvy (@AdamMcCalvy) April 11, 2024