Is it time to try Sal Frelick on the infield again?

With Garrett Mitchell and Blake Perkins expected to return from the injured list in the coming weeks, the Milwaukee Brewers could soon have a good problem on their hands. Too many capable outfielders and not enough spots. However, for Sal Frelick, whose bat has become increasingly difficult to keep out of the lineup, the solution might not be in the outfield. It could be at third base.

That idea of Frelick at third isn’t as far-fetched as it sounds. In both 2024 and 2025 spring training, he took reps at the hot corner. The experiment continued under the guidance of none other than Dustin Pedroia. The goal was clear, as the Brewers wanted to expand Frelick’s defensive versatility in anticipation of future roster congestion.

The Brewers should revisit Frelick’s infield experiment

That congestion is approaching quickly. Frelick’s offensive performance in 2025 has spoken for itself. Through 65 games, he’s slashing a very solid .284/.349/.389 with four home runs, 21 RBIs, and 12 stolen bases. His .738 OPS, strong contact ability, and elite speed make him an on-base weapon and a threat anywhere in the order. And with the advanced metrics like wOBA and hard-hit rate showing strong underlying value, Frelick isn’t getting lucky — he’s performing.

Compare Frelick’s performance to Caleb Durbin, who has handled most of the third base duties since being called up. Durbin’s slash line of .208/.302/.315 across 47 games includes just 2 homers and a .617 OPS. While he’s shown admirable plate discipline — drawing walks and painfully leading the NL in hit-by-pitches — his offensive ceiling is proving to be limited.

If the Brewers truly want the best offensive lineup once Mitchell and Perkins are healthy, they might have to get creative. Deploying Frelick at third base — especially against right-handed pitching — could not only solve the outfield logjam but also provide an instant offensive upgrade at one of the thinnest spots in the lineup.

Of course, there are risks. Frelick has only made one appearance at third in the regular season, and shuffling him midseason to a position that demands quick reaction and arm strength doesn’t come without challenges. Not to mention, Frelick is a Gold Glove winning outfielder, who currently leads all of MLB in outfield assists. Thererfore the switch to third base is unlikely, but the Brewers have already laid the groundwork. And if they truly believe they can make a postseason push, keeping Sal Frelick’s bat in the lineup on way or another should be nonnegotiable.