The Milwaukee Brewers called up one of its top prospects right after the start of the 2023 season, in former University of Cincinnati star Joey Wiemer. The power-hitting outfielder tore up the Minors over the previous two seasons and will look to fill in at the Major League level as several Brewers, including Tyrone Taylor and infielder Luis Urias, have went on the IL to begin the year
Related: How the Mariners Can Adjust With Robbie Ray Headed to the IL
A Look at Wiemer
A fourth-round pick by the Brewers in the 2020 MLB Draft, Brewers outfielder Joey Wiemer rose quickly up the ranks to a great skillset of tools. Wiemer broke out in his first Minor League season in 2021, in which he hit .295/.403/.556 with 27 home runs, 30 stolen bases, and 77 runs driven in. The 24-year-old hit 21 more home runs in 2022, six of which came with Nashville (AAA).
An impressive athlete with a ton of strength and speed, Wiemer will need to prove that he can put bat on ball consistently at the Major League level. As far as tools are concerned, Wiemer has immense potential with the Brewers.
The 24-year-old got his first MLB start on April 1, against Cubs left-hander Justin Steele. Wiemer, primarily a right fielder throughout his pro career, started in center field — a position that he saw 50 games of action at in the Minors. On the first pitch he saw, Wiemer fought off a 91 MPH fastball that he pushed the other way. That resulted in a double, his first Major League hit.
Wiemer finished the day going 1-2, before being pitch hit for by fellow outfielder Jesse Winker.
A Look at the Brewers Outfield
The future of the Brewers outfield is quite bright, given the fact that Milwaukee has Wiemer, Garrett Mitchell, and Sal Frelick all in the organization. But for now, the Brewers outfield includes Wiemer, Mitchell, Winker, and Christian Yelich, with Tyrone Taylor on the IL.
It’s fair to expect Wiemer — a right-handed slugger — to get a good chunk of action against left-handed pitchers, while Garrett Mitchell faces righties. That’s exactly how it worked on April 1, as Wiemer started in center but Mitchell finished the game after Justin Steele left the game. The 24-year-old should also see some time against righties, as Jesse Winker will most likely be the team’s regular DH in the early goings of 2023.
Once Taylor returns, Wiemer is probably the odd man out. But, he might be able to change the Brewers’ plans if he can force the team’s hand.
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