Brewers: 2021 Report Card Grades for the Crew’s Infield

Middle Infielders

Kolten Wong: 109 wRC+ 2.9 fWAR, .783 OPS, 14 HR, 492 PA

Perhaps the only knock against Kolten Wong this season is that he was injured for a chunk of the season. Wong was a Gold Glove finalist, and set career highs in wRC+, home runs, wOBA, and was just under his career high in OPS.

Kolten Wong was able to adjust and become more aggressive this season, which saw him thrive offensively and continue to match his elite defensive output as a human highlight reel, even though he ultimately somehow got snubbed for his third straight Gold Glove award.

Wong is under contract for the 2022 season, and has a club option for 2023, so fans will continue to see Wong’s elite glove in the field next season. Expect to see Wong continue to slot into the leadoff spot next season.

Final Grade: A-

Willy Adames: 135 wRC+, 3.9 fWAR, .886 OPS, 20 HR, 413 PA

Willy Adames is very well the reason the Brewers ended up making the postseason. He seemed to provide a spark to the lineup that was missing, and the Brewers played well above .500 after he came over.

Adames was always a player with immense talent, ranking as high as the 11th overall prospect in baseball in 2018. He ended up playing to that level in part because he could see the ball much better in American Family Field than he did at Tropicana Field in Tampa Bay.

For the Brewers who were seeking a long-term solution at shortstop, Adames seems to be it. The original trade was seen as a panic trade by some, after trading Orlando Arcia away and eventually watching Luis Urias struggling, but it turned out for the best in Milwaukee.

Adames has a future in Milwaukee, and if 2021 was any indicator, the future will be very bright.

Final Grade: A

Third Baseman / Multi-Positional Players

Luis Urias: 111 wRC+, 2.7 fWAR, .789 OPS, 23 HR, 570 PA

Luis Urias had a roller coaster season in 2021. He won, and subsequently lost, starting jobs on multiple occasions. And despite that, he still ended up leading the Brewers in appearances on the season.

Though he struggled on defense, Urias emerged as at best an everyday third baseman who could potentially make an All-Star game. At worst, he appears capable of being a multi-positional utility player who can fill in for extended periods of time.

Additionally, Urias’ power developed, which was in part thanks to help from Andy Haines. His defensive woes were prevalent at shortstop, but subsided for the most part after he shifted to third base.

Final Grade: B+

Eduardo Escobar: 114 wRC+, 0.9 fWAR, .800 OPS, 6 HR, 199 PA

The major pickup of the Trade Deadline for the Brewers, Eduardo Escobar came over in late July from Arizona. His “Fogo Power” brought an additional boost to the Brewers that was welcomed in the postseason push.

The switch hitter brought flexibility to Milwaukee with Escobar seeing time at first base for the first time in his career and playing serviceably. He did miss some time with a hamstring injury, but Escobar was an important part of the second half.

Escobar did put up a solid 114 wRC+ in his time with the Brewers, hitting 6 home runs as well. He outperformed his time in Arizona in his stint with Milwaukee and was a key contributor to the team down the stretch.

Escobar is a free agent this season, and while David Stearns has stated he would be open to a reunion, that could be in the cards.

Final Grade: B+

Jace Peterson 302 PA, 97 wRC+, 0.9 fWAR, .714 OPS, 6 HR

Jace Peterson got on base, period, and he became somewhat of a cult hero with his ability to seemingly always do that when necessary. Peterson was a player who thrived in the opportunities given to him, but ultimately fell off as the calendar flipped to September, recording a 11 wRC+.

The Brewers value depth, and Peterson provides just that. He appeared everywhere in the field for the Brewers except for center field and catcher. He is due for a raise in arbitration, with MLB Trade Rumors projecting he will receive $1.3MM.

Whether the Brewers keep him around is yet to be seen, but Peterson provides a valuable depth piece to the Brewers who was able to hold his own when given playing time.

Final Grade: B

And with that we wrap up our report card series on 2021 Milwaukee Brewers season. Stay tuned to Reviewing the Brew to stay updated as the Crew now looks ahead to 2022.