Brewers: 3 Bold Predictions For 2021 Spring Training

Brewers Spring Training Bold Prediction #1:

Justin Topa or Drew Rasmussen Will Be The Best Pitcher

I expect these two guys to get a good amount of work in the spring. Both are coming off of impressive stints with the Crew towards the end of last season even appearing in at least one inning of postseason baseball. Neither gave up a run against the big bats of the Dodgers in the Wild Card matchup and there’s reason to believe their success will continue.

Through his first 10 appearances last season, Rasmussen had just a 1.98 ERA. He allowed seven runs in his final two outings, which skyrocketed his season ERA up to 5.87. Rasmussen is going to be a key pitcher for the Crew for years to come. Topa, meanwhile, gave up two earned runs in his first outing, and then nothing over his final five appearances, dropping to a 2.35 ERA in 7.2 IP.

Neither of these guys need a stellar Spring Training to make the roster, but their role and how much they’re trusted in high-pressure situations might be a question mark as of now. Both have live arms and will provide some continuity with the likes of soft-tossers Brent Suter and Eric Yardley.

Developing young pitchers has been a strong suit for the Milwaukee Brewers as of late. Whether it’s top notch coaching throughout the farm system, an eye for quality talent in the draft process or a mixture of both, the Brewers may once again have an embarrassment of riches.

Don’t be surprised if Justin Topa and Drew Rasmussen post really impressive stat lines solidifying themselves as two of the best up-and-coming relievers that the Brewers have and maybe even becoming dark horses for Reliever/Rookie of the Year like another guy in that bullpen.