For this series, LOD writers will pick three players from each MLB team that we feel are players to watch in the 2023 season.
The Milwaukee Brewers have had a good run since the 2017 season. In 2018, Christian Yelich was the NL MVP and they ended their season just one game away from the World Series. In 2021,their Ace, Corbin Burnes won the NL Cy Young. The Brewers were in the mix deep into the 2022 season, until the Cardinals pulled away with the division down the stretch. Most predictions have the Brewers right back battling for the NL Central again this season. While the Brewers are known for their pitching staff, I will suggest it’s their potential to explode on the offensive side that makes them most intriguing.
Willy Adames, SS
In a 2021 trade with the Tampa Bay Rays, Adames arrived in Milwaukee. He was traded to make room for Wander Franco, yet his productivity has surpassed Franco these past couple seasons. In 2021, Adames hit a combined 25 HR / 73 RBI / .262 BA / .818 OPS between the Rays and Brewers. In 2022, he posted 31 HR / 98 RBI / .238 BA / .736 OPS. Adames is usually found in any list of Top 10 Shortstops, being recognized for both his power at the plate and defensive abilities. He will enter the free agent market following the 2023 season, so expect another productive year.
Jesse Winker, OF
Winker had an All-Star season with Cincinnati in 2021, where he hit 24 HR / 74 RBI / .305 BA / .949 OPS. His 2022 season in Seattle was not nearly as impressive. However, he was plagued with injuries. There’s plenty of speculation that Winker is poised for a big comeback season in 2023. The 29 year old outfielder was a first round draft pick in 2012 by the Reds out of Olympia High School (Orlando). He might be the right player, in the right place at the right time for the Brew Crew.
Jesse Winker joined @MLBNetwork and shared his mindset on coming to Milwaukee.
“I’ve always enjoyed going to Milwaukee and playing. I love the city and I’m excited to get there and get started with everybody”
— Milwaukee Brewers (@Brewers) December 9, 2022
William Contreras, C
In an off-season three way trade with the Braves and A’s, the Brewers landed William Contreras. The All-Star catcher put up 20 HR / 45 RBI / .278 BA / .860 OPS in 2022. He split time behind the plate with Travis d’Arnaud in Atlanta. The younger brother of the Cardinals’ Willson Contreras is just 25 years old and he has a whole lot of upside for the Brewers. When he wasn’t catching in 2022, the Braves often kept his bat in the lineup as the Designated Hitter.
⭐️El único modo de hacer un gran trabajo es amar lo qué haces , hazlo, si te da miedo , hazlo con miedo 🙏🏼🙌🔥 pic.twitter.com/Nf8JsdgvzJ
— William Contreras (@Wcontreras42) February 14, 2023
Milwaukee’s Famous Hitters?
The Brewers finished third overall in Home Runs (219) and tenth in Runs Batted In (703) in 2022. Hunter Renfroe, who hit 29 HRs last season may has departed for the Angels. But, adding Winker and Contreras will more than pick up the slack. If you get the same sort of productivity out of Rowdy Tellez, Luis Urias and Willy Adames, watch out! And, let’s consider that Christian Yelich is coming off a couple down seasons.
Meanwhile, Corbin Burnes continues to be ranked the number one starting pitcher in baseball. The Brewers starting rotation is consistently listed among the top few in all of MLB. There’s seemingly no reason that the Brewers won’t be competing for that NL Central title until the last days of the 2023 regular season.
