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

The Milwaukee Brewers infield saw a dramatic makeover from 2021 Opening Day to the end of the regular season. And despite that turnover, its members were able to provide enough firepower to help the team reach its fourth consecutive postseason.

In the end, that firepower wasn’t sustainable enough to prevent the Brewers from avoiding an early exit from the playoffs. Still, all across the diamond, there were players who excited and players who disappointed.

That said, here are our report card grades for the Milwaukee Brewers infielders for the 2021 season.

First Basemen

Rowdy Tellez: 112 wRC+, 0.4 fWAR, .814 OPS, 7 HR, 174 PA

A midseason pickup, Rowdy Tellez endeared himself to the fans of Milwaukee with legendary moments.

Tellez rebounded nicely from his struggles in Toronto, and ended up putting together a 112 wRC+ in his 174 plate appearances with the Brewers. Though he is unlikely to win any Gold Gloves or accolades of the sort for his defensive performance, Tellez is the latest in the Brewers’ endless carousel of first basemen to make his mark.

Armed with a solid eye, and lots of pop, Tellez turned into a great option in his half-season with the Brewers, even after missing a chunk of September with a right patella strain. Could Tellez be the answer at first base? That’s yet to be seen, but the 26-year old made a strong case to be given a chance to hold down the spot in the future.

Final Grade: B+

Daniel Vogelbach: 101 wRC+, 0.1 fWAR, .730 OPS, 9 HR, 258 PA

Despite missing time with a left hamstring strain, Daniel Vogelbach appeared in 93 games for the Brewers. Unfortunately, the results for Vogelbach were not as good as they were in the 2020 season.

Vogelbach was league average based on his offensive production this season (wRC+ of 101, OPS+ of 97), and he was “Wally Pipp’d” out of the first base platoon. Vogelbach does have quite a lot of power, and a good eye for pitch recognition, he just was not able to get it going this season.

With no options remaining, and a potential logjam at first base depending on what the Brewers decide to do with Tellez and Keston Hiura, Vogelbach may find himself as the odd man out when the non-tender deadline comes around.

Final Grade: C

Keston Hiura: 52 wRC+, -0.7 fWAR, .557 OPS, 4 HR, 197 PA

It is difficult to imagine a more trying season than the 2021 season that Keston Hiura had. His mom battled cancer throughout the season, and he seemingly lost all ability to hit. His ability to hit was lauded throughout his minor league career, so the sudden drop off was quite alarming.

Even down in the minors, Hiura’s struggles at times remained present.

The front office seems to still have faith in Hiura, but he could see time as a multi-positional player this coming season. They haven’t given up on him, nor should they. He still is a talented player, but there is perhaps no one looking forward to the calendar to turn over than Hiura is.

Final Grade: D-

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.