Brewers: 8 Takeaways From David Stearns’ End Of Season Press Conference

Takeaway #6: Pencil Luis Urias in as the starting 3B in 2022

Entering 2021, Luis Urias was the Brewers starting shortstop. He held that job for about six weeks. Then the Brewers traded for Willy Adames. Adames seized the job and Urias moved into a utility role, and then essentially took over the starting third base job when he started hitting better and Travis Shaw went into a slump and then got injured.

When asked if he could see a scenario in which Urias would be the Brewers starting third baseman going forward, Stearns replied “Certainly. I think Luis has earned the right, repeatedly this year, to play regularly.”

He mentioned his strong performance at 3B, but didn’t say specifically he would be the 3B, however with Adames “cemented” at SS by Stearns’ own admission and Kolten Wong cemented at 2B, that really only leaves third base for Urias to play regularly. Pencil him in there and 3B may not be a need for Milwaukee this offseason.

Takeaway #7: Don’t close the door on Eduardo Escobar

With Luis Urias being penciled in as a regular player, likely at 3B, and Rowdy Tellez likely to stick around at first base, is there room for a potential Eduardo Escobar return?

When asked, Stearns plainly stated “Any time there’s a switch hitter with positional versatility who’s got power from both sides, I think that type of player can pretty much fit on any team. So I wouldn’t necessarily close the door on [Escobar].”

We’ll see what kind of salary demands Escobar has this offseason and how big the market is for him, but even with Urias and Tellez on the corners, they’re open to bringing Escobar back.

Takeaway #8: Stearns is not likely to leave for New York

Stearns knew the question would come up, about all the rumors of the Mets wanting to hire him. In typical Stearns fashion, he opted not to comment on media speculation about such a thing.

But he did offer this statement, saying “I’m happy here. My family’s happy here. And we’ve got work to do here.”

As long as he’s happy here, and his family is happy here, it’s going to be tough to pry him away. But the Mets are his childhood team. However, the job isn’t finished here, as the noted in that final sentence. There’s still more work to do to get this team to accomplish what he wants to accomplish. The idea of him leaving before that work is complete appears to be dead.

It’s going to be a long and interesting offseason for the Brewers. Stearns’ comments here will help shape what we’re looking to see out of Milwaukee this winter.