What to Expect from Brewers Outfielder Sal Frelick

In the thick of the race for the NL Central, Milwaukee called upon another of the team’s young outfielders to provide some help for the Brewers. Outfielder and former first-round pick Sal Frelick is up in the Majors, and here’s a look at what fans can expect from the 23-year-old.

A Look at Frelick

Former Boston College standout Sal Frelick torched NCAA pitching in 2019 and 2021 while at Chestnut Hill. A career .345 at BC, Frelick did quite well for himself in the ACC and on an Eagles team that produced several pro talents, including Jake Alu and Emmet Sheehan, during the Boston native’s tenure at Boston College.

Drafted in the first round of the 2021 MLB Draft by the Brewers, the left-handed hitting outfielder wasted no time that year. Frelick hit .329 over 35 MiLB games in 2021, then recorded a .331/.403/.480 slash line with eleven home runs, 45 extra base hits, and a 63:52 K:BB ratio over 119 games.

Frelick missed almost two months of the 2023 season on the IL, and hit just .251 and an OPS of .697 when on the field. But in July, the 23-year-old hit a more respectable .276 with one home run and four extra base hits over 14 games with Nashville (AAA).

The 23-year-old is not a power hitter by any means. Sure, Frelick does have a fair amount of raw strength. However, Frelick’s primary assets are his speed, fielding ability, and great bat control and hands. Here’s a look of him going “inside out” on a pitch and taking it the other way.

His innate ability to make contact and get on-base should give him a pretty solid chance to become a hitter that can slot into the top of the lineup. Worst case scenario, the Massachusetts native becomes a wily bottom-of-the-order hitter that can provide a jolt.

Defensively, scouts don’t love Frelick’s arm. There have also been questions whether Frelick, despite good plus speed, will be able to handle center field. Public scouting reports have cast doubt on his ability to make reads in the outfield (h/t MLB.com)

It’s the second notable promotion of a Brewers outfield prospect, as Milwaukee moved Joey Wiemer up earlier this season. As a result of Frelick’s promotion, the Brewers designated outfielder Ramiel Tapia for assignment.

A Look at the Brewers’ Outfield and Fantasy Outlook

If there’s one area that the Brewers have plenty of organization depth, it’s the outfield. It might not look that way in 2023, given the season-ending injury to Garrett Mitchell, as well as tough seasons from Tyrone Taylor and Jesse Winker.

However, the Brewers’ future options in the outfield include the aforementioned Frelick and Mitchell, power-hitter Joey Wiemer, and highly-touted prospect Jackson Chourio. Not to mention, Christian Yelich, who’s under contract until at least 2028, has recorded his best regular season this year since 2019.

Let’s quickly touch on Frelick’s fantasy value. The 23-year-old can be a viable option for steals if he can get on base on a consistent basis. Frelick swiped eight bases in 43 games this season with Nashville, and 24 a year earlier across three levels.