2023 Brewers Farm System Positional Preview: Designated Hitter

In the minors, the designated hitter is often rotated among players – often to make sure players get their at-bats while others play the field. It can clear up a crowded situation (see the Nashville outfield, for example). So, who will be handling DH duties, and how often? Let’s take a look at each level.

AAA Nashville
In Nashville, the DH role will likely be split between Jon Singleton, Tyler Naquin, Luke Voit, Sal Frelick, and possibly some other players. The Singleton/Naquin/Voit trio will most likely be handling the duties, primarily because the Brewers will want Frelick and Joey Wiemer in the outfield as much as possible. Monte Harrison and Skye Bolt will also be factors at this position.

AA Biloxi
If Jeferson Quero is the primary catcher for the Shuckers, then Biloxi will likely see Darrien Miller, Ernesto Martinez, and Wes Clarke split a lot of time at first base and DH. Tristen Lutz and Je’Von Ward could also see some occasional time there if the outfield gets crowded, while Tyler Black could be an X-factor at that position. Some of these players have question marks – for Miller; it’s defense; for Martinez, Black, and Ward, it’s health. One thing is certain: Many talented hitters will be DHing for Biloxi.

A+ Wisconsin
Designated hitter gets murkier as we go lower down the ladder, and Wisconsin is one case in point. On the one hand, the Brewers have two very talented prospects, Hedbert Perez and Hendry Mendez, who clearly need to focus on offensive improvements – Perez needs to up his hitting for contact and OBP, and Mendez has to tap into his power. On the other hand, they may need to improve their defense so that it could rotate between other players. If Quero returns to Wisconsin, Jose Sibrian might also see time at DH.

A Carolina
If the Brewers want Eduarqui Fernandez and Luis Castillo to play the corners, they can use other corner outfielders from their 2022 ACL teams, like Jamal Zalm and Diego Larez, at DH. Jose Caballero, Jadher Areinamo, and Alexander Perez, all of whom had decent seasons while playing second base in the ACL, could also force their way into the mix.

Rookie Leagues
The ACL is quite murky at DH. Arnys Rodriguez could be one contender for DH, given he is behind Yeison Perez at first. Given their offensive performances in the DSL, Edgardo Ordonez and Eric Martinez could also see time there. In the DSL, there will likely be a mix of players from the signees and those who return for another season, manning the DH spot in the lineup for both affiliates.

Overview
The state of the Brewers' farm system at designated hitter is… complicated. The team in the past has often rotated the DH role due to liking a lot of positional flexibility. That said, looking at players like Tyler Black, Ernesto Martinez, Je’Von Ward, and Darrien Miller, there are some players for whom becoming a full-time DH might maximize their playing time – and, therefore, their value – to the Brewers. 

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