The Milwaukee Brewers were not big players in free agency (again) this offseason. While they made a few under-the-radar signings, they did nothing to replace the offensive production that was lost when Willy Adames signed a seven-year $182 million contract with the San Francisco Giants. Last season, Adames hit .251/.331/.462 with a team-leading 32 home runs and112 RBI to go with 21 stolen bases.
Instead of bringing in a free agent slugger to help fill the power void Adames left, Milwaukee instead is banking on continued growth from their young core of homegrown talent to carry the offense. The return of Christian Yelich after season-ending back surgery, too, will hopefully help.
Milwaukee Brewers Outfielder Sal Frelick Had a Defensively Spectacular Year in 2024
One of the young players that the Brewers hope will take a step forward offensively is right fielder Sal Frelick. Last season, the Boston College product hit .259/.320/.335 with two home runs, 32 RBI, and 18 stolen bases in 145 games. While his batting average numbers are not terrible, per say, they were not what Milwaukee was hoping for from their former first round pick.
That being said, what Frelick lacked in offensive prowess he made up for with spectacular defense. Fans may recall that, at one point last offseason, the Brewers were considering moving Frelick to third base. It is a good thing they didn’t.
Earlier this offseason, it was announced the Frelick won the National League Gold Glove Award for right fielders. He became Milwaukee’s first outfielder to win a Gold Glove since Lorenzo Cain won one in 2019, and just the fourth outfielder in franchise history to win it. Sixto Lezcano and Carlos Gomez were the others.
Milwaukee Brewers Outfielder Sal Frelick Has Added 25 Pounds of Muscle This Offseason
According to a report by Brewers insider Adam McCalvy, Frelick has already reported for Spring Training (veteran position players do not need to be there until February 18), and he has added 25 pounds of muscle this offseason:
“I don’t know if it’s the best shape of my life, but I put on a ton of muscle,” said Frelick, who finished last season at 167 pounds after a long year that began with extensive Spring Training work at third base and ended with him winning a Rawlings Gold Glove Award in right field. “I just wanted to make sure I had a good offseason and built back the sort of body that would be ready for the long season.”
Last season, Frelick had an exit velocity rate of just 83.4 miles per hour, the lowest in MLB. While adding so much muscle cannot guarantee a better hard-hit ball rate, it can ensure that his body is in a better position to withstand the rigors of a 162-game season.
It is also important to note that Frelick has barely played more than 200 career games on the Major League level. Hopefully, 2025, which will be his second full season in Milwaukee, will find him more comfortable against Big League pitching.
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