Grading the Milwaukee Brewers first round picks from the last five years

Some picks have flourished while others are still finding their way.

Mar 18, 2024; Phoenix, Arizona, USA; Milwaukee Brewers center fielder Garrett Mitchell (5) hits a single against the Los Angeles Angels in the second inning at American Family Fields of Phoenix. Mandatory Credit: Rick Scuteri-USA TODAY Sports
Mar 18, 2024; Phoenix, Arizona, USA; Milwaukee Brewers center fielder Garrett Mitchell (5) hits a single against the Los Angeles Angels in the second inning at American Family Fields of Phoenix. Mandatory Credit: Rick Scuteri-USA TODAY Sports | Rick Scuteri-USA TODAY Sports
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2021 - OF Sal Frelick, 15th overall

As they continued to build the organization's outfield depth, the Brewers followed the same formula: draft a strong defensive outfielder who is extremely fast and has above average on base skills. This time that came in the form of Sal Frelick out of Boston College University.

Frelick moved his way up the organization as fast as Mitchell did, hitting the Triple-A level by the end of his 2022 season. While he wouldn't end up making his MLB debut that same season like his teammate did, he would do so the following year in 2023.

Frelick had quite the primetime debut, going 3-for-3 with two runs batted in and a pair of sensational catches in the outfield. He would finish the season slashing .246/.341/.351 in 57 games and would not find himself back down in the minors for the rest of the year.

The same has gone for 2024, where Frelick has been even better. He has upped his slash line to .273/.348/.350 in 86 games and has shown off his speed, stealing 14 bases in 16 attempts. He has also settled in as a solid defensive presence in the outfield with two devensive runs saved and being worth two outs above average on the season.

Frelick has been pretty much exactly as advertised, a speedy on base machine with above average defense. He's perhaps even been one of the more underrated parts of the 2024 Brewers, which is surprising considering his 1.4 fWAR so far. He's done everything you'd want the guy to do. Grade: A

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