Milwaukee Brewers prospect Tyler Black has been labeled as a potential trade candidate. There have been no leaked reports indicating that he is being shopped around, but various writers have put together compelling cases as to why he could be moved. Here, we explore the opposite and why moving him would be a costly mistake.
Tyler Black fits an offensive profile that the Milwaukee Brewers value
Last year, the Brewers embraced a scrappy, high-pressure offensive approach, focusing on putting the ball in play and using their speed to challenge opposing defenses. Tyler Black is a player who excels in both areas. While he may not match the elite contact skills of Brice Turang and Sal Frelick, his ability to avoid strikeouts remains strong. In addition, Black’s speed is on par with the Brewers’ top runners, and he’s just two years removed from a standout season in which he stole 55 bases. His combination of contact ability and base-stealing prowess makes him a valuable asset to the team with a high floor as a MLB hitter.
Where does Tyler Black fit in defensively?
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There are a lot of misconceptions about Tyler Black’s defensive abilities and where he ultimately will land up. Here is what we know. He was drafted without a true defensive home, but at Wright State University he played primarily second base. The Brewers recognized his athleticism and initially allowed him to play all over the infield as well as center field. Unfortunately he sustained a scapula fracture as a result of a defensive play where he crashed into the wall and later that same year he sustained a thumb fracture in the Arizona Fall League while trying to get some more work in due to time lost during the season.
In 2023, the Brewers picked third base a position for him to focus on. Later on in the season, he was moved to first base. This wasn’t because of his performance, but because at the time Milwaukee was cycling through first basemen like Rowdy Tellez, Luke Voit, and Jon Singleton. They wanted Black to get reps at first base in case a MLB call up was in his future, but Carlos Santana eventually was acquired and the following year Rhys Hoskins and Jake Bauers split duties at first base.
While his true defensive home is still up for debate, his willingness to change positions and his work ethic to improve and learn each position should be viewed as a strength, not a weakness.
Trading Tyler Black would be a costly mistake
Currently, the Brewers have openings at backup first baseman and primary third baseman, both of which are up for grabs. Tyler Black could fill either of those roles, but will need to earn it. His 2024 MLB numbers, which are not great, should be viewed with caution as they are based on a small sample size of just 57 plate appearances. In the past, Brewers players have made significant strides in their “sophomore” seasons, and Black could be the next to follow suit. However, if the team trades away the former 33rd overall pick this off-season, they would never have the chance to find out.
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1 Comment
Agreed..57 at bats spread out over a season means nothing ..I’d love to see him all year at 1st base against right handers