Let’s turn back the clock all the way to the summer of 2023! Miley was tearing up the charts singing about how much better she was than her ex! Spiderman was taking you across the universe as Miles Morales was giving you amazing animated adventures! And Paul Skenes led off the MLB draft and almost immediately stepped into being one of the most dominant pitchers in the National League.
The next day, the Brewers made a move that was heralded as the Steal of the Draft. They took a high school shortstop in the 6th and paid him second round money. And yesterday, just 3 short years later, that shortstop is making his debut.
Cooper Pratt was called up yesterday to take over short on the Brewers’ weak-hitting left side of the middle infield. Luis Rengifo, Joey Ortiz, and David Hamilton do not have an OPS over 625 between them. Ortiz’s glove and Hamilton’s speed saved them from the indignity of a demotion, so Rengifo was sent packing to make room for the 6’4″ shortstop. Pratt has a minor league gold glove, and the Brewers believe he’s ready to take over. But what can you expect from the 21 year old? Let’s break it down into the typical categories.
Runs: In order to score runs, you gotta get on base. Pratt has been pretty average at this at every stop, outside of when he tore up the Carolina League in 2024. He has about a 12% walk rate and has hit between 221 and 248 at every stop. He’s not going to contribute here.
Homers: Pratt is 6’4″, 210. He should have power. But he has not developed it yet. He has 6 bombs in AAA so far, but I’m pretty sure a few of those were in Charlotte, which is pretty much a PCL park. He’s had a 50% ground ball rate this year, so he doesn’t really elevate the ball yet. He does hit it hard, but nothing really to speak of. I would think at most 5 bombs the rest of the year.
RBI: This is all about opportunities and taking advantage of them. Pratt will be hitting at the bottom of the Brewers lineup. He won’t get as many chances to drive guys in.
Steals: Pratt is not highly rated for his speed. MLB Pipeline and Fangraphs rate him as a 50 runner. He has stolen 18 bags in AAA this year, so he has found the timing to get himself over. Last year he had 31, and previous to that it was 27. So this is a skill he can contribute to the team. 15 steals the rest of the way out is not out of the question.
One thing you don’t have to worry about is playing time. The Brewers locked him into an 8 year $50 million contract in April. They are committed to him being the shortstop of their near future and on the team for years. So, unless he starts his career like Jackson Holliday‘s 1-41, he will be in that lineup.
The best-case scenario for this year is 2024 Brice Turang, who was a rosterable contributor in speed. The most likely scenario is 2023 Brice Turang, who was one of the worst hitters in baseball.
Long term, he will develop power. Whether that is Geraldo Perdomo power or J.J. Hardy power is yet to be seen.
Who’s Hot?: Bo Bichette seems to have awoken with 3 bombs and 9 RBI in the last week. Zack Gelof can hit outside of Vegas as he’s got 4 bombs and a couple of steals the last couple weeks. Kody Clemens is taking advantage of Batting 3rd in the Twins lineup, driving in 7 and hitting 2 bombs last week.
Who’s Not?: Brandon Lowe did hit 3 bombs in the last two weeks, but that’s 3 bombs in 9 total hits this month, good for a .161 average. Mookie Betts was moved to cleanup and has contributed a single solo homer since, hitting .212 in that time.
Always enjoy your column!!
2.Would you start Ryan Weathers at home vs CWS?
Thank you!!!
1. Gelof is running hot and plays in a minor league park. I’m thinking he’s the best player the rest of the way in this trade. I would not include Baz who is at best a streamer. If I’m giving up gray, I’m insisting on a better pitcher.
2. Yes.