Article: Which MLB Players Describe Joey Wiemer?

[Harold Hutchison]

Joey Wiemer has been a pleasant surprise for Brewers fans since he was called up after Luis Urias went on the disabled list after Opening Day. As of this writing, he’s been a key part f the Brewers' 8-2 run since Urias was injured, with a home run, two doubles, and some excellent defense in right field.

Image courtesy of © Benny Sieu-USA TODAY Sports

When Brewer Fanatic did their top 20, Joey Wiemer was behind two other outfielders, Sal Frelick and Jackson Chourio. There was even a credible case that Wiemer and Frelick deserved spots on the Opening Day roster, only to be blocked by trade acquisition Jesse Winker and long-time standby Tyrone Taylor, who’s been no slouch in center. But Wiemer is a top prospect, but who could he be compared to? Let’s take a look.

Hunter Renfroe
Wiemer’s right-handed power bat and strong arm immediately remind Brewers fans of the team’s regular right fielder in 2022 – Hunter Renfroe. Wiemer’s bat could easily rack up 25-30 home runs in an MLB season, as Renfroe has on average since becoming a major-league regular in 2017. But he also has a cannon for an arm, posting double-digit outfield assists totals – and he’s already snuffed out a runner from the outfield in the majors.

But Wiemer doesn’t have some obvious weaknesses seen in Renfroe’s game. For instance, Renfroe has struggled to draw walks and get on base consistently. Wiemer’s been a consistent walk machine, even in the majors. Then there is speed – Renfroe hasn’t flashed the ability to engage in on-base larceny, while Wiemer has.

Corey Hart
The Brewers’ long-time right fielder, Corey Hart, was a mainstay in right field during two playoff runs in the 2006-2011 timeframe, having moved there from initially playing first base to third base. Hart demonstrated speed in his early MLB career and the minors, posting 20-20 seasons in 2007 and 2008. Hart, like Wiemer, also proved to be credible in center field early on before finding a permanent home in right.

While Hart was able to hit 30 home runs later in his career, his bat was more a gap-power bat with 45 doubles in 2008 and 9 triples in 2007. Wiemer’s been more of a pure power bat. Hart’s OBP skills were solid but relied a bit more on being plunked at the plate – which can be a hazardous way to do so.

Jeromy Burnitz
Another comparison could be Jeromy Burnitz – who handled right field for the Crew in the last 1990s and early 2000s. Burnitz had the power and the OBP skills, albeit he was a left-handed batter. Much like Wiemer, Burnitz also provided decent play in center field. The biggest breakdown was that Burnitz was never much of a speed merchant on the bases, averaging seven swipes a year. Wiemer is a threat for a 30-30 season.

Other Players
Ryan Braun was a right-handed power bat with power and speed over his career but lacked the OBP skills and defense to compare to Wiemer. Rob Deer offered the power and OBP but not the speed. 

Overview
On many teams, Wiemer would be the top prospect in the system, and the fact he plays a clear third fiddle to Frelick and Chourio speaks well for the team’s depth. But his ceiling includes some Brewers who were among the best in team history in right field. 

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[Jake McKibbin]

Fun fact

 

While Wiemer has accumulated 0.3 fWAR over the short season so far, Jordan Walker with all the hype about his undying brilliance is sitting at -0.3 fWAR

 

Edit: This becomes 0.5 bWAR for Joey and still -0.3 bWAR for poor Walker on baseball reference

[stoutdude04]

Pedro Cerrano.  I am pretty sure he has no hits against curve balls this year - possibly even any off speed pitch.

[Farming the Brew]

I was saying yesterday how much he looks like Corey Hart in RF. Grew up during the Hart era, so to me that's what I see when I watch Wiemer.

[Harold Hutchison]

2 hours ago, Braden11 said:

I was saying yesterday how much he looks like Corey Hart in RF. Grew up during the Hart era, so to me that's what I see when I watch Wiemer.

I'm thinking a right-handed Burnitz with speed, myself.

[brewcrewdue80]

Lorenzo Cain defense and speed. Wall scrapers. 

[endaround]

Joey Gallo

[pitchleague]

I see some Pedro Cerrano in him at the plate.

yes, I realize he’s a fictional Major League player

[BlazingGunz]

He reminds me of Jayson Werth quite a bit.  But I like the Rob Deer comp too

[BrewForLife]

Jay Buhner and it is not even close.

He will not hit for avg this year but will be serviceable due to his arm, glove, speed, and bottom of the order chaos that he can bring on occasion. 

Jay Buhner!