Brewers: Did Brice Turang Just Get Squeezed Out of an Opening Day Roster Spot?

As the 2023 season continues to draw closer, Milwaukee Brewers fans continue to get more excited to potentially see some young prospects break through for their major league debuts. One of those players is infielder Brice Turang.

Turang, the Crew's first round pick back in 2018, has put himself right on the cusp of a spot in the Big Show based on his play since joining the organization. Last year, he had one of his best all-around pro seasons, slashing .286/.360/.412 with 24 doubles, 13 homers, 78 RBIs, and 34 steals while playing for the Triple-A Nashville Sounds.

This offseason, two roadblocks to Turang's eventual debut were removed from his path. The first was when he was added to the Brewers' 40-man roster, a predictable move that prevented him from being exposed to MLB's Rule 5 Draft.

The second was when Milwaukee traded away their second baseman of the last two years, Kolten Wong, to the Seattle Mariners for outfielder Jesse Winker and infielder Abraham Toro. With no clear starter at second, as well as backup opportunities elsewhere on the diamond, it felt like even though it wasn't guaranteed, Turang's chance at a debut could come as early as Opening Day.

And yet, a recent move by the Brewers may have now delayed Turang's appearance on the active roster a little while roster.

Did Brice Turang just get squeezed out of an Opening Day roster spot with the Brewers?

The reason this question is coming up now is because of the move Milwaukee made just yesterday. In one of their few free agent signings of this offseason, the Crew brought in utility man Brian Anderson, formerly of the Miami Marlins.

Anderson can play both third base and right field, two positions in which the Brewers were still needing some more depth. But MLB Network contributor Craig Mish expects that his main position with Milwaukee will be on the infield.

Of course, the Brewers already had a player with plenty of third base experience in Luis Urias. He can also play over at second base too, though, and with the Brewers hoping he can tap back into his 2021 self (.249/.345/.445, 25 doubles, 23 homers), Urias would probably get plenty of playing time there if Anderson does indeed see a good chunk of time at third.

So where does that leave Turang? Well, it leaves him fighting for an active roster spot with a plethora of other utility players that include Toro, Mike Brosseau, and Owen Miller. Each of those three have at least some major league experience under their belts.

Unfortunately for Turang, what he does have is all three of his minor league options remaining. So if the Brewers decide to start him off in the minors for the season, he still has plenty of options remaining.

Turang will very likely make his debut at some point in 2023. Injuries and poor performance from others on the roster make that almost a certainty. It just might now be later than Opening Day before it happens.