Jump to content
Brewer Fanatic
  • What Should the Brewers do With Luis Urías?


    Kyle Ginsbach

    Since the Milwaukee Brewers acquired Luis Urías in a trade with the San Diego Padres in November 2019, the young infielder has become an integral part of the Milwaukee clubhouse. But is his performance on the field what the Brewers need? 

    Image courtesy of © Jeff Curry-USA TODAY Sports

    Brewers Video

    Though the aforementioned 2019 trade that sent Trent Grisham and Zach Davies to the Padres has primarily played out in the Brewers' favor, Luis Urías, the key piece of the trade, hasn't exactly progressed like the Brewers envisioned. 

    When the Brewers acquired Urías, they envisioned their everyday shortstop for the foreseeable future. Several throwing errors and mental mistakes later, Willy Adames strode into Milwaukee and took the shortstop job quite convincingly. Urías saw time at both second and third base following the Adames trade but was still on the outside looking in at the end of 2021. 

    The full expectation was for Urías to take over the starting third base job in 2022, but a plethora of injuries has forced Urías to split time all over the infield. The expectation going forward is still likely as a full-time third baseman, but it remains to be seen if Urías is truly up to the task. 

    On the offensive side, Urías has only progressed slightly from his days in San Diego. His 2022 slash line sits at .232/.324/.404, good for an OPS+ of 104. His defense has been problematic, posting a -7 OAA and a -3% success rate added. His fWAR for the season sits at 0.9. None of this is bad per se, but it's hard not to be disappointed. Urías was supposed to be capable of being more than just average.

    The fact of the matter is, if Urías is going to be playing third base, he needs to be better than average offensively. When comparing Urías to other starting third basemen around the league, he ranks 22nd in fWAR (Min 300 PAs). If his bat can tick upwards like the Brewers were initially expecting, they can almost surely deal with his subpar defense.

    There only remains one question to be asked. How likely is it for Urías to breakout offensively? With a dive into Urías' baseball savant page, here's what you can find. 

     


    Screen Shot 2022-08-15 at 4.49.53 PM.png

    What probably jumps out at anyone is that amount of blue. Luckily, the red circles are signs of encouragement. In the age of the three true outcomes, Urías isn't having much of a problem fitting in. His BB% has remained above 10% for the second consecutive season, and both his Whiff% and Chase Rate being low could suggest his strikeout rate could start trending downwards. As for his power, his 20 grade power tool given to him as a prospect has turned out much better than expected, as he's already demonstrated he's capable of 20+ homer seasons.

    There are reasons for optimism, but there are some concerns too. To put it bluntly, Urías is playing to his size. The lack of solid contact is eating into his expected metrics, and it's also playing out on the field. It's not that Urías isn't capable of solid contact - he certainly is - it just isn't coming often enough. If you need evidence of his potential power, look no further than his homerun in Tampa Bay earlier in the year.

    Potential or not, Urías isn't a prospect anymore. While he certainly has enjoyed more success as a Brewer, he has arguably taken a step back in 2022, when it was supposed to be his first real opportunity to establish himself as a major league ballplayer. 

    To cut the chase, there is no simple answer for the future if it involves Luis Urías. He's still only 25 years of age, and shows encouraging signs of more potential, but it just isn't translating on the field. If the Brewers are looking for consistent competitive teams, the future of Urías should be up in the air. A liability on defense and only average offensively, the Brewers need to ask themself where he truly fits.

    Now it's your turn. Do you think the Brewers can reasonably expect more out of Urías going forward? What do you think Urías' future looks like?

    Think you could write a story like this? Brewer Fanatic wants you to develop your voice, find an audience, and we'll pay you to do it. Just fill out this form.

    MORE FROM BREWER FANATIC
    — Latest Brewers coverage from our writers
    — Recent Brewers discussion in our forums
    — Follow Brewer Fanatic via Twitter, Facebook or email

     Share


    User Feedback

    Recommended Comments



    Featured Comments

    1 hour ago, Ron Robinsons Beard said:

    I previously hadn't considered this, but I like it. Turang appears to have the chops to play SS at an MLB level, and Adames has the power you'd typically look for at 3B. Urias's offense looks much better from the 2B position in the lineup than it does from 3B.

    I don't see the difference in where these guys play if they are all 3 going to play everyday anyway.

    If we do Adames at 3B, Turang at SS, and Urias at 2B, it's no different than Adames at SS, Urias at 3B and Turang at 2B offensively.

    There is no difference offensively, and I don't see there being much of a difference defensively either.  Adames would have to learn a new position at 3B, so if anything, that might weaken the D.

    I just don't think Urias is anything more than a guy you can plug in on off days for regular players, assuming we ever sign a true 3B with power.

    I think we tend to get attached to these guys, and it allows us to put up with or ignore faults.  Urias hasn't proven to be a regular everyday starter, and I'm not sure that will ever happen, which is why I'd rather see him take over the super sub position and we go look for a real 3B via trade.

    Link to comment
    Share on other sites

    12 minutes ago, Hopper said:

    I don't see the difference in where these guys play if they are all 3 going to play everyday anyway.

    If we do Adames at 3B, Turang at SS, and Urias at 2B, it's no different than Adames at SS, Urias at 3B and Turang at 2B offensively.

    There is no difference offensively, and I don't see there being much of a difference defensively either.  Adames would have to learn a new position at 3B, so if anything, that might weaken the D.

    I just don't think Urias is anything more than a guy you can plug in on off days for regular players, assuming we ever sign a true 3B with power.

    I think we tend to get attached to these guys, and it allows us to put up with or ignore faults.  Urias hasn't proven to be a regular everyday starter, and I'm not sure that will ever happen, which is why I'd rather see him take over the super sub position and we go look for a real 3B via trade.

    Define "real 3B". Urias hit 23 dingers last year in 490 plate appearances, and is on pace to hit close to those marks again this year, despite his overall batting numbers not looking as good. He also just turned 25, and is, in theory, on the young end of his prime years. It isn't a matter of being "overly attached", but moreso recognizing value and potential in a player who is still very young and cost controlled. Simply because a player doesn't look like Scott Rolen or Mike Moustakas, it doesn't necessarily mean they aren't a "real 3B".

    That said, Adames has the type of larger frame that tends to slow down reaction time as he gets older. He also has the arm for 3B. 

    Link to comment
    Share on other sites

    12 minutes ago, Hopper said:

    I don't see the difference in where these guys play if they are all 3 going to play everyday anyway.

    If we do Adames at 3B, Turang at SS, and Urias at 2B, it's no different than Adames at SS, Urias at 3B and Turang at 2B offensively.

    There is no difference offensively, and I don't see there being much of a difference defensively either.  Adames would have to learn a new position at 3B, so if anything, that might weaken the D.

    I just don't think Urias is anything more than a guy you can plug in on off days for regular players, assuming we ever sign a true 3B with power.

    I think we tend to get attached to these guys, and it allows us to put up with or ignore faults.  Urias hasn't proven to be a regular everyday starter, and I'm not sure that will ever happen, which is why I'd rather see him take over the super sub position and we go look for a real 3B via trade.

    Define "real 3B". Urias hit 23 dingers last year in 490 plate appearances, and is on pace to hit close to those marks again this year, despite his overall batting numbers not looking as good. He also just turned 25, and is, in theory, on the young end of his prime years. It isn't a matter of being "overly attached", but moreso recognizing value and potential in a player who is still very young and cost controlled. Simply because a player doesn't look like Scott Rolen or Mike Moustakas, it doesn't necessarily mean they aren't a "real 3B".

    That said, Adames has the type of larger frame that tends to slow down reaction time as he gets older. He also has the arm for 3B. 

    Link to comment
    Share on other sites

    I could see them trading Adames the same way they traded Grisham. His power over on base profile as a batter is ok on a team that isn't made up of mostly similar types. Turang may not have the power but he hits for average and gets on base.  We need more of that. Adames could very well get us a legit third baseman. He doesn't need to be a 30-40 HR guy.  20ish HR power who can also hit for average fits our offensive needs better. I'd love to see a couple more guys who hit in that .280 range to go along with our power bats. That gives Urias second and Turang at short. Our defense stays strong and we get a more diverse offense.

    Link to comment
    Share on other sites

    I could see them trading Adames the same way they traded Grisham. His power over on base profile as a batter is ok on a team that isn't made up of mostly similar types. Turang may not have the power but he hits for average and gets on base.  We need more of that. Adames could very well get us a legit third baseman. He doesn't need to be a 30-40 HR guy.  20ish HR power who can also hit for average fits our offensive needs better. I'd love to see a couple more guys who hit in that .280 range to go along with our power bats. That gives Urias second and Turang at short. Our defense stays strong and we get a more diverse offense.

    Link to comment
    Share on other sites

    2 minutes ago, Thurston Fluff said:

    20ish HR power who can also hit for average fits our offensive needs better. I'd love to see a couple more guys who hit in that .280 range to go along with our power bats. That gives Urias second and Turang at short. Our defense stays strong and we get a more diverse offense.

    If Adames can clean up his approach and mirror what he did last year after coming to the Brewers, he already is that guy.

    Link to comment
    Share on other sites

    2 minutes ago, Thurston Fluff said:

    20ish HR power who can also hit for average fits our offensive needs better. I'd love to see a couple more guys who hit in that .280 range to go along with our power bats. That gives Urias second and Turang at short. Our defense stays strong and we get a more diverse offense.

    If Adames can clean up his approach and mirror what he did last year after coming to the Brewers, he already is that guy.

    Link to comment
    Share on other sites

    There's a lot of different scenarios here, all of them have merit. Who knows if Adames would be cool with moving to 3B, but it would be a nice plug-in there if he was. But I liked Urias' ascent in '21, and still believe in him. His 2022 has been one of the bigger disappointments for me. If Turang gets plugged in at 2B I have no worries defensively. Even w/o a lot of work there I think he'd be fine, although it's a little curious that if they're thinking of doing that you'd think he'd play there some this year. They've moved him around a little but not to 2B that I know of. He can certainly handle SS but I just have a hard time seeing them move Adames & hand Turang the spot.

    If I had to guess I'd say the left side of the INF will be the same next April w/ Turang at second. But if there's a trade It'll probably involve getting a 3B, then with the versatility of some of these guys who knows?

    Link to comment
    Share on other sites

    There's a lot of different scenarios here, all of them have merit. Who knows if Adames would be cool with moving to 3B, but it would be a nice plug-in there if he was. But I liked Urias' ascent in '21, and still believe in him. His 2022 has been one of the bigger disappointments for me. If Turang gets plugged in at 2B I have no worries defensively. Even w/o a lot of work there I think he'd be fine, although it's a little curious that if they're thinking of doing that you'd think he'd play there some this year. They've moved him around a little but not to 2B that I know of. He can certainly handle SS but I just have a hard time seeing them move Adames & hand Turang the spot.

    If I had to guess I'd say the left side of the INF will be the same next April w/ Turang at second. But if there's a trade It'll probably involve getting a 3B, then with the versatility of some of these guys who knows?

    Link to comment
    Share on other sites

    The ideal use for Urias may well be in a Bill Hall / super sub role, where he plays every day between 3b/2b/ss based on matchups.  Before that could happen, though, the club would need to find a regular starter at 3b.

    Likewise, Urias' splits for this year make that difficult to accomplish....as he actually has a reverse split in 2022.  While that makes him a decent platoon partner for Brosseau, it causes problems putting him anywhere else on the infield (but for Kolton Wong having even worse splits against lefties this year).

    Link to comment
    Share on other sites

    The ideal use for Urias may well be in a Bill Hall / super sub role, where he plays every day between 3b/2b/ss based on matchups.  Before that could happen, though, the club would need to find a regular starter at 3b.

    Likewise, Urias' splits for this year make that difficult to accomplish....as he actually has a reverse split in 2022.  While that makes him a decent platoon partner for Brosseau, it causes problems putting him anywhere else on the infield (but for Kolton Wong having even worse splits against lefties this year).

    Link to comment
    Share on other sites

    3 hours ago, Thurston Fluff said:

    I could see them trading Adames the same way they traded Grisham. His power over on base profile as a batter is ok on a team that isn't made up of mostly similar types. Turang may not have the power but he hits for average and gets on base.  We need more of that. Adames could very well get us a legit third baseman. He doesn't need to be a 30-40 HR guy.  20ish HR power who can also hit for average fits our offensive needs better. I'd love to see a couple more guys who hit in that .280 range to go along with our power bats. That gives Urias second and Turang at short. Our defense stays strong and we get a more diverse offense.

    Adames is a free agent the same year as Woodruff, Burnes, Houser and Lauer, so it is feasible that they look to trade him this offseason. I just figured they'd hold onto him for another year, but if they see Turang as the 2023 starting SS, then they might look to find a young 2B/3B as part of a package for Adames.

    It seems that Stearns is trying to mold the team into one that focuses on OBP and contact rather than "all or nothing" power and I think the offense will look a lot different in a couple of seasons. It'll be interesting to see what he does.

    I'd certainly only trade Adames if we obtained another starting infielder, whether that came back in the Adames trade, or was acquired elsewhere. Brosseau is a good utility option against LHP, but he's not someone I'd want to rely on everyday, and beyond Turang we're lacking in MLB-ready IF prospects.

    That's one reason Urias is valuable to the Brewers. While he might end up being an average player, he's still got some years of cheap control, so there's value having an average player for a below-average price. That allows the team to spend its limited resources elsewhere. Urias isn't a problem, he just may be someone who you look to replace when he becomes expensive and/or you have a better replacement in-house and ready. Plus, he's still young enough that he could take the next step and become a good player, which would be a big win for everyone.

    Link to comment
    Share on other sites

    3 hours ago, Thurston Fluff said:

    I could see them trading Adames the same way they traded Grisham. His power over on base profile as a batter is ok on a team that isn't made up of mostly similar types. Turang may not have the power but he hits for average and gets on base.  We need more of that. Adames could very well get us a legit third baseman. He doesn't need to be a 30-40 HR guy.  20ish HR power who can also hit for average fits our offensive needs better. I'd love to see a couple more guys who hit in that .280 range to go along with our power bats. That gives Urias second and Turang at short. Our defense stays strong and we get a more diverse offense.

    Adames is a free agent the same year as Woodruff, Burnes, Houser and Lauer, so it is feasible that they look to trade him this offseason. I just figured they'd hold onto him for another year, but if they see Turang as the 2023 starting SS, then they might look to find a young 2B/3B as part of a package for Adames.

    It seems that Stearns is trying to mold the team into one that focuses on OBP and contact rather than "all or nothing" power and I think the offense will look a lot different in a couple of seasons. It'll be interesting to see what he does.

    I'd certainly only trade Adames if we obtained another starting infielder, whether that came back in the Adames trade, or was acquired elsewhere. Brosseau is a good utility option against LHP, but he's not someone I'd want to rely on everyday, and beyond Turang we're lacking in MLB-ready IF prospects.

    That's one reason Urias is valuable to the Brewers. While he might end up being an average player, he's still got some years of cheap control, so there's value having an average player for a below-average price. That allows the team to spend its limited resources elsewhere. Urias isn't a problem, he just may be someone who you look to replace when he becomes expensive and/or you have a better replacement in-house and ready. Plus, he's still young enough that he could take the next step and become a good player, which would be a big win for everyone.

    Link to comment
    Share on other sites

    8 hours ago, trwi7 said:

    I think it's far more likely that Turang gets the starting 2B job, Urias keeps the starting 3B job and Peterson and Brosseau are backups.  Peterson to go all around the diamond and take tough RHP from Urias and Brosseau getting starts over Turang against LHP (Urias moving to 2B, Brosseau taking 3B.)

    I agree. I think the worst thing they could do with Turang is start him out not knowing if or where he's going to be playing. 

    Better glove, I think he's got more offensive upside and he's 22 and the future. If they were both 22 and both in AAA...I guess it'd be a coin flip, but he's not.

    Adames to 3rd, Turang to SS and Urias to 2B would probably makes sense(Turang has a strong arm, so HIM playing 3B would also make sense) but you'd think the Brewers would have Turang playing some 3rd if that was the plan. That he's been playing some 2nd suggests to me they view him as an up the middle defender. 

     

    Link to comment
    Share on other sites

    8 hours ago, trwi7 said:

    I think it's far more likely that Turang gets the starting 2B job, Urias keeps the starting 3B job and Peterson and Brosseau are backups.  Peterson to go all around the diamond and take tough RHP from Urias and Brosseau getting starts over Turang against LHP (Urias moving to 2B, Brosseau taking 3B.)

    I agree. I think the worst thing they could do with Turang is start him out not knowing if or where he's going to be playing. 

    Better glove, I think he's got more offensive upside and he's 22 and the future. If they were both 22 and both in AAA...I guess it'd be a coin flip, but he's not.

    Adames to 3rd, Turang to SS and Urias to 2B would probably makes sense(Turang has a strong arm, so HIM playing 3B would also make sense) but you'd think the Brewers would have Turang playing some 3rd if that was the plan. That he's been playing some 2nd suggests to me they view him as an up the middle defender. 

     

    Link to comment
    Share on other sites

    2 hours ago, monty57 said:

     

    It seems that Stearns is trying to mold the team into one that focuses on OBP and contact rather than "all or nothing" power and I think the offense will look a lot different in a couple of seasons. It'll be interesting to see what he does.

     

    Really? He's sure doing a terrible job then with 3 regulars at. 300 or less, and six more hitters at .326 or below. To be sure, this year's Brewers were built to rely on pitching, fundamentals and three run homers.

    What I believe you meant to say is, Stearns is likely to remodel the team into one that focuses on OBP and contact. Which is very likely true. 

    Link to comment
    Share on other sites

    2 hours ago, monty57 said:

     

    It seems that Stearns is trying to mold the team into one that focuses on OBP and contact rather than "all or nothing" power and I think the offense will look a lot different in a couple of seasons. It'll be interesting to see what he does.

     

    Really? He's sure doing a terrible job then with 3 regulars at. 300 or less, and six more hitters at .326 or below. To be sure, this year's Brewers were built to rely on pitching, fundamentals and three run homers.

    What I believe you meant to say is, Stearns is likely to remodel the team into one that focuses on OBP and contact. Which is very likely true. 

    Link to comment
    Share on other sites

    I remember when Urias was supposed to be an 80-hit guy who could be 1 or 2 in the lineup. Now he has the approach if a power hitter without much power. I wonder how good he could’ve been if he didn’t fight having a contact-oriented approach and rolled with it instead.  

    Link to comment
    Share on other sites

    I remember when Urias was supposed to be an 80-hit guy who could be 1 or 2 in the lineup. Now he has the approach if a power hitter without much power. I wonder how good he could’ve been if he didn’t fight having a contact-oriented approach and rolled with it instead.  

    Link to comment
    Share on other sites

    23 minutes ago, Devinep said:

    I remember when Urias was supposed to be an 80-hit guy who could be 1 or 2 in the lineup. Now he has the approach if a power hitter without much power. I wonder how good he could’ve been if he didn’t fight having a contact-oriented approach and rolled with it instead.  

    Seems like a problem with Adames and Hiura too. They've both evolved to be much more all or nothing. I actually think it's an organizational philosophy to an extent. Especially considering when Wong talked about how he enjoyed the Brewers letting him swing for the fences with two strikes when the Cardinals didn't.

    Link to comment
    Share on other sites

    23 minutes ago, Devinep said:

    I remember when Urias was supposed to be an 80-hit guy who could be 1 or 2 in the lineup. Now he has the approach if a power hitter without much power. I wonder how good he could’ve been if he didn’t fight having a contact-oriented approach and rolled with it instead.  

    Seems like a problem with Adames and Hiura too. They've both evolved to be much more all or nothing. I actually think it's an organizational philosophy to an extent. Especially considering when Wong talked about how he enjoyed the Brewers letting him swing for the fences with two strikes when the Cardinals didn't.

    Link to comment
    Share on other sites

    2 hours ago, Jopal78 said:

    Really? He's sure doing a terrible job then with 3 regulars at. 300 or less, and six more hitters at .326 or below. To be sure, this year's Brewers were built to rely on pitching, fundamentals and three run homers.

    What I believe you meant to say is, Stearns is likely to remodel the team into one that focuses on OBP and contact. Which is very likely true. 

    Yes, I was referring to what he’s doing in the minors. The MLB team still has a lot of “all or nothing” in it, but it appears that they’ll gradually be replaced over the next few seasons with some OBP/contact guys. 

    Link to comment
    Share on other sites

    2 hours ago, Jopal78 said:

    Really? He's sure doing a terrible job then with 3 regulars at. 300 or less, and six more hitters at .326 or below. To be sure, this year's Brewers were built to rely on pitching, fundamentals and three run homers.

    What I believe you meant to say is, Stearns is likely to remodel the team into one that focuses on OBP and contact. Which is very likely true. 

    Yes, I was referring to what he’s doing in the minors. The MLB team still has a lot of “all or nothing” in it, but it appears that they’ll gradually be replaced over the next few seasons with some OBP/contact guys. 

    Link to comment
    Share on other sites




    Join the conversation

    You can post now and register later. If you have an account, sign in now to post with your account.
    Note: Your post will require moderator approval before it will be visible.

    Guest
    Add a comment...

    ×   Pasted as rich text.   Paste as plain text instead

      Only 75 emoji are allowed.

    ×   Your link has been automatically embedded.   Display as a link instead

    ×   Your previous content has been restored.   Clear editor

    ×   You cannot paste images directly. Upload or insert images from URL.


×
×
  • Create New...