The Milwaukee Brewers went into the 2024 MLB season unsure of who would end up being their everyday third baseman. In fact, it could be argued that the Brewers have gone into each of the past five seasons with this very same question at the position. Five different players have started at third base for the Brewers in each of their last five season openers:
- Eric Sogard (2020)
- Travis Shaw (2021)
- Jace Peterson (2022)
- Luis Urias (2023)
- Andruw Monasterio (2024)
The last Brewers third baseman to start on consecutive Opening Days was Shaw, who started there from 2017-2019.
As is the case with first base, the Brewers would love to find a long-term answer, preferably in a player that they develop themselves. Obviously, they have not been able to do so, though on MLB insider thinks that one of their top prospects may have a shot at it, at least in 2025.
Keith Law Believes Tyler Black Could Start at Third Base for the Milwaukee Brewers
As reported earlier, Tyler Black has yet to appear in a Spring Training game due to minor back stiffness. However, it is clear that Milwaukee would like him to play as soon as possible, as owner Mark Attanasio revealed that the team would like to see baseball’s 56th ranked prospect get some playing time at third base.
Last season, Black played primarily first base down in Triple-A Nashville, where he hit .258/.375/.429 with 14 home runs, 67 RBI, and 20 stolen bases. Throughout his time in the minors, though, he has also played third base, second base, and center field.
This positional flexibility, as well as his tendency to get on base at a high rate, led Keith Law of The Athletic to rank him 14th out of 25 rookies who could have a major impact this season. Law also believes that Black may have the inside track to being Milwaukee’s everyday third baseman:
“Black is a great athlete who plays like his hair’s on fire and may have the inside shot at the Brewers’ third-base job to start the year, although he doesn’t throw well and I’m not convinced he can handle that aspect of the position.
“Wherever he plays, he’ll get on base and cause some havoc with his base running, probably not hitting for much power, and with the defense a work in progress at either spot — although I think he’s athletic enough to play almost anywhere but short, if he had the arm for it. His patience is real, as he’s not up there to walk, but he thinks he knows the zone better than the umps, and I mean that in a good way.”
Black made his Major League debut last season, hitting .204/.316/.245 in 18 games for the Brewers. Of course, it is not uncommon for prospects to struggle at the plate during their first call-up to The Show. However, as one can tell by the huge difference between his batting average and on-base percentage, his knowledge of the strike zone was on full display.
The defensive shortcomings are a real concern. Fans may recall that franchise legend Ryan Braun first arrived in Majors as a third baseman, but was moved to left field after just one year due to his poor fielding. And Black, for as good as he is, is no Braun.
Milwaukee is also flush with left-handed hitters with all of their healthy outfielders, save Jackson Chourio, hitting from that side of the plate.
Still, with the only other options at third base being Monasterio, Oliver Dunn, and Caleb Durbin, Black may have just as good of a chance as any to start there on Opening Day.
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