Milwaukee Brewers: Does Trent Grisham have a Major League future?

Milwaukee Brewers outfielder Trent Grisham wasn’t supposed to reach the Majors this quick, but now that he’s here, will he stay for good?

Trent Grisham has spent almost the same amount of time with the Milwaukee Brewers as he did in Triple-A. Grisham only appeared in 34 games with the San Antonio Missions, but he’s already racked up 33 appearances with the Brewers.

Does he fit into the long term plan, or will he end up back on the farm?

How did Grisham do in Triple-A?

He only spent 34 games there before the Milwaukee Brewers called him up. What does that tell you?

Grisham slashed .381/.471/.776 in Triple-A before getting the call. He blasted 13 homers and stole six bases in seven attempts. He essentially proved everything he needed to prove at the minor leagues highest level in just over a month before the Brewers considered him to be ‘ready’.

And how about in Milwaukee?

Grisham has been used mainly off the bench, but he has picked up a few starts in the crowded Milwaukee Brewers outfield. In 112 plate appearances in the Majors, Grisham has managed a .260/.321/.450 slash line with four homers. He’s walked eight times, but he’s fanned 30 times so far with the Brewers.

He’s also spent time in the field at all three outfield positions, and has yet to make an error.

Is there any chance he picks up more starts?

It looks like he will. Christian Yelich is likely out for the rest of the 2019 season with a broken right knee cap, and Grisham will have to pick up most of the starts.

Is Grisham in the long term plans

Well, center field and right field aren’t opening up any time soon. Ryan Braun‘s contract is coming to an end after 2020, but he could transition into more of a part-time role next year. Braun is righty and Grisham is a lefty, so there may be an opportunity for Grisham to pick up at bats against right-handed pitchers when Braun needs a day off.

Grisham would also be a quality defensive replacement in left field. He can also pick up at bats off the bench and cover for Lorenzo Cain when he needs time off. Cain will turn 35 a few weeks after Opening Day 2020, and will probably start to need more time off in the coming seasons.

There isn’t a clear path to an every day role for Grisham with the Milwaukee Brewers next year, He could easily slide into left field in 2021, and stay there for the next five years. Grisham took a few years to develop, but it’s clear that he has a bright future in the Majors.