With Garrett Mitchell and Blake Perkins primed for a return from the injured list, the Milwaukee Brewers are staring down the barrel of what some might call a pleasant dilemma: an abundance of outfield talent with not enough slots to fit them all. Enter Sal Frelick, whose sizzling bat has made him nearly indispensable in the lineup. The catch? The solution to their outfield surplus might just be to find him a new home on the diamond — perhaps at third base.
The notion of Frelick manning the hot corner isn’t as wild as it might initially seem. Back in the spring training camps of 2024 and 2025, the Brewers had him taking reps at third. The sessions weren’t just cursory glances either; they had none other than Dustin Pedroia helping refine his craft. The plan was simple: boost Frelick’s defensive repertoire in anticipation of a crowded roster.
And that congestion they planned for? It’s looming large on the horizon. Frelick’s 2025 campaign has been nothing short of impressive. With a .284/.349/.389 slash line over 65 games, he’s added four home runs, 21 RBIs, and 12 stolen bases to his season’s haul. His .738 OPS, paired with his knack for making contact and elite speed, make him a formidable on-base presence. Advanced stats like wOBA and hard-hit rate only solidify his standing — his numbers are a testament to genuine talent, not mere luck.
Let’s turn the spotlight to Caleb Durbin, the current custodian of third base since his call-up. Through 47 games, his .208/.302/.315 line, featuring a couple of home runs and a .617 OPS, pales in comparison. While Durbin’s discipline at the plate — notably leading the NL in drawing painful hit-by-pitches — has its merits, his offensive potential feels capped.
The Brewers need to get crafty if they aim to field their top offensive unit upon Mitchell and Perkins’s return. Frelick at third base, particularly when right-handed pitchers take the mound, could untangle the outfield logjam while simultaneously supercharging one of the lineup’s weakest links.
Transitioning Frelick midseason to such a high-demand position isn’t without its pitfalls. He’s appeared at third only once in regular-season play, and the position’s demands for quick reflexes and arm strength make it no small task. Plus, Frelick’s prowess in the outfield includes a Gold Glove and leads the league in outfield assists. A move away from such defensive brilliance might seem counterintuitive, but the Brewers have already begun laying the foundation for this switch. If a postseason berth is on the dream board, keeping Frelick’s bat available across the field isn’t just a luxury—it’s a potential necessity.
