Will a Milwaukee Brewers rookie make a splash at the plate in 2023?

The 2023 Milwaukee Brewers have several questions that need to be answered as spring training gets ready to begin in Arizona. One of the most interesting is which of the young everyday players might make an impact this season… if any? Names like outfielders Jackson Chourio, Sal Frelick, Garrett Mitchell and Joey Wiemer, or infielder Brice Turang could see action at the Major League level at some time in 2023.

That being said, it has been a while since a Brewers’ rookie made a significant impact on the team’s offense. In fact, a good friend and fellow Brewers’ fan recently asked me, “When was the last time a Brewers’ rookie really helped the lineup in a season? When was the last time a Brewers rookie even had 100 hits in a season?

You get the point.

Well, let’s try to answer those questions. For the sake of this article let’s look at the last time a Brewers rookie had 100 hits in a season; or 10 home runs; or 50 RBI. Modest numbers for a season, but that would be a decent first year for many rookies.

Nori Aoki was the last Brewers rookie to get 100 hits, 10 HR and 50 RBI in his first year

First, let’s put all three of these stats together: 100 hits, 10 home runs and 50 RBIs in a rookie season. That has happened six times in Brewers history. The last was Nori Aoki when he had 150 hits, 10 HRs and 50 RBI for the Brewers in his rookie season.

Here are the six Brewers rookies who had 100 hits, 10 HRs and 50 RBI in their first season with the team.

2012: Nori Aoki, 150 hits, 10 HRs, 50 RBI
2009: Casey McGehee, 107 hits, 16 HR, 66 RBI
2007: Ryan Braun, 146 hits, 34 HR, 97 RBUI
2006: Prince Fielder, 154 hits, 28 HR, 81 RBI
1973: Pedro Garcia, 142 hits, 15 HR, 54 RBI
1969: Wayne Comer, 118, 15 HR, 54 RBI (with the Seattle Pilots)

Five of the six players above received votes for the Rookie of the Year that season. Braun won the award in 2007, while Garcia was runner-up in 1973. Aoki and McGehee each finished fifth; Fielder finished seventh.

As you can see, it has been more than a decade since the Brewers had a rookie make a big contribution with his bat.

The last season the Milwaukee Brewers had a rookie reach these stats

For the record, here are the last five times a Brewers rookie had 100 hits, 10 HR or 50 RBI in a season.

Last Brewers rookies with 100 hits: Nori Aoki (150 in 2012), Alcides Escobar (119 in 2010), Casey McGehee (107 in 2009), Ryan Braun (146 in 2007), Prince Fielder (154 in 2006).

Last Brewers rookies with 10 home runs: Tyrone Taylor (12 in 2021), Keston Hiura (19 in 2019), Jesus Aguilar (16 in 2017), Khris Davis (11 in 2013), Nori Aoki (10 in 2012).

Last Brewers rookies with 50 RBI: Jesus Aguilar (52 in 2017), Nori Aoki (50 in 2012), Casey McGehee (66 in 2009), Ryan Braun (97 in 2007), Prince Fielder (81 in 2006).

The last Milwaukee Brewers rookie to get votes for the Rookie of the Year Award was in 2020 when relief pitcher Devin Williams won the award. Aoki was the last Brewers non-pitcher to receive votes for the Rookie of the Year in 2012.

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