Brewers: 2022 Report Card Grades For The Outfield

PITTSBURGH, PA - JULY 01: Christian Yelich #22 of the Milwaukee Brewers in action during the game against the Pittsburgh Pirates at PNC Park on July 1, 2022 in Pittsburgh, Pennsylvania. (Photo by Joe Sargent/Getty Images)
PITTSBURGH, PA - JULY 01: Christian Yelich #22 of the Milwaukee Brewers in action during the game against the Pittsburgh Pirates at PNC Park on July 1, 2022 in Pittsburgh, Pennsylvania. (Photo by Joe Sargent/Getty Images) /
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MILWAUKEE, WISCONSIN – AUGUST 29: Christian Yelich #22 of the Milwaukee Brewers walks to the dugout during a game against the Pittsburgh Pirates at American Family Field on August 29, 2022 in Milwaukee, Wisconsin. (Photo by Stacy Revere/Getty Images) /

Christian Yelich 2022 Season Grade: D+

2022 was another year of Yelich not rebounding and returning to or near MVP form.

During our 2021 season report card, we highlighted Yelich’s lack of quality contact (exit velocity) on ground balls that led to a perception that he was hitting more ground balls than normal. In 2022, his ground ball rate actually rose to 59% (55% in 2021) and he overall made slightly better contact, but still not great contact.

In regards to standard statistics, Yelich saw subtle changes when compared to last season. His .252 batting average was just four points better than 2021, his on base percentage decreased by seven points to .355, slugging percentage was ten points higher at .383, and his OPS had just a two point difference (.738 vs .736).

There are some positives from Yelich’s 2022 season. One being that he stayed healthy and avoided an injured list stint. The back issue that seemed to plague him in 2021 was a non-issue this year.

Another positive is that he settled into the role as leadoff hitter. At the leadoff spot he slashed .267/.378/.390. Continuing to have him serve in this role may be the best way to maximize his current skill set going forward.

Given that there was no substantial change in his performance when compared to last year, he received the same letter grade as last season.

Tyrone Taylor 2022 Season Grade: C-

After forcing himself into the outfield rotation in 2021 due to good performance, Tyrone Taylor got a long look at every day playing time in 2022 following the departure of Lorenzo Cain. Overall, Taylor appeared in 120 games and put together a slash line of .233/.286/.442 with a .728 OPS.

The most alarming offensive statistic is Taylor’s .286 on-base percentage. In 2022 his walk rate decreased to 5.4%. This is a 2% drop compared to last season. Things get more discouraging when you combine his low on-base percentage with his rather non-impressive .233 batting average.

Yes, Taylor did a good job at hitting for extra bases in 2022, as he hit 17 home runs, 21 doubles, and three triples. But moving forward there may be other players that will have more to offer offensively. This may push Taylor back into more of a backup outfielder role.