Opening day of the 2023 baseball season is quite a ways away yet. At this point in the offseason, the Brewers have made their first big trade. Winter meetings are set to take place in early December. During the meetings, we will all be waiting for a splash signing . Whether or not that signing happens or not, the Brew Crew has a lot of talented prospects knocking on the door of big league playing time. In fact, in a recent article by a few writers at MLB pipeline they predicted that Sal Frelick could win the 2023 Rookie Of The Year award.
Here is what Jim Callis, Sam Dykstra, Jonathan Mayo had to say about Sal Frelick.
Jackson Chourio has the higher ceiling and Garrett Mitchell and Esteury Ruiz have actual Major League experience, but if we’re looking for a player who could thread the needle of a special talent with MLB proximity, we should turn to Frelick. The 2021 first-rounder hit everywhere he played in his first full season and was perhaps at his best at Triple-A Nashville, where he sported a .365 average and 16/19 K/BB ratio in 46 games. His plus speed and defensive range on the grass would be immediate assets for Milwaukee and strengthen his award case.
In this article, the writers had to pick a potential Rookie Of The Year candidate from each team. So no they did not specifically say that Frelick is their favorite to win when compared to all of the other candidates. Rather out of the Brewers prospects they believe that he has the best chance.
Is Sal Frelick a legit early 2023 Rookie Of The Year Candidate?
As it stands today, most expect Frelick to play in the big leagues at some point in 2023. The big question is will he be on the opening day roster, an early season promotion, or make his debut much later? In light of the Hunter Renfroe trade, one can reasonably assume it will be earlier in the season.
If Frelick makes the opening day roster and wins Rookie of the Year, the Brewers would gain an extra draft pick. This is new under the CBA established last off-season. The goal is that this will help prevent service time manipulation.
Another looming question is when Frelick makes his debut, how does he fit in and receive playing time? The Brewers are loaded with outfielders. On the 40-man roster currently is Christian Yelich, Tyrone Taylor, Garrett Mitchell, and Esteury Ruiz. It is possible that Christian Yelich sees more time as the designated hitter in order to open up an outfield spot, but otherwise Frelick would make five outfielders and Wiemer potentially six.
There currently are a few obstacles that may make one hesitate to call Frelick an early 2023 Rookie Of The Year candidate. However, all signs are pointing towards the Brewers giving their young prospects playing time in 2023. It is possible that Frelick will play a big part in what they want to do going forward.
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