Another Look at the Internal Options at Third Base for Brewers

Internal options—players already in the farm system or on the roster—offer several benefits to an organization, relative to external additions. Firstly, the team knows the background on these players, so there is a better idea of what they can get. Second, they come without any additional cost, either in money or in players, international bonus slots, or draft picks. For the Brewers, that second consideration is huge. Let’s look at three options.

The Previous Regular
In 2023, Andruw Monasterio took over at third base after Brian Anderson faded into a dugout phantom. He held the position down well defensively, while providing a below-average 86 OPS+. Monasterio did make contact at an excellent rate, and was an asset against left-handed pitching, both of which were weaknesses of the 2023 team.

One advantage of bringing him back is that the Crew knows what he can provide when given regular playing time. He still provided 1.3 Wins Above Replacement in about a half-season, according to Baseball Reference. That is a solid starter or excellent bench player. In 2024, with less regular playing time and some trips on the Milwaukee-Nashville shuttle, Monasterio’s offense cratered, with only a 62 OPS+, but his walk rate improved slightly. 

Meanwhile, Oliver Dunn showed glimpses of the same caliber of play last spring, but as a power-over-hit, left-handed bat. He and Monasterio could form a credible (if uninspiring) platoon at the hot corner.

The Gold Glove Outfielder
During spring training, Sal Frelick saw time in the infield, re-learning how to play second and third base as the Brewers faced a logjam in the outfield and some questions about the infield. There’s still a logjam in the outfield, despite the trade of Joey Wiemer, due to the rapid rise of Jackson Chourio and the potential move of Tyler Black to left field. There are still questions about third base. (Second base was the big question mark at this time last year.)

Could Frelick be the answer to the two-fold question in 2025? He played infield in the Future Collegiate Baseball League before being drafted as an outfielder by the Brewers in 2021.

Frelick’s offensive profile is well-known: he has excellent OBP skills, makes contact, and has the speed to be a menace on the basepaths. That said, he provided 2.1 WAR per Baseball Reference, and his 83 OPS+ over the full 2024 season is actually slightly below Monasterio’s. It also pulls a Gold Glove outfielder away from where his defense wins games.

Frelick is an option at third base, but the Brewers would have to be desperate to play him there.

The Top Prospect
Tyler Black was on the Milwaukee-Nashville shuttle in 2024, but in 2023, he had a breakout season wherein he held down third base for a good chunk of the season. He moved to first base in 2024, but still saw (limited) action at the hot corner in Nashville.

His defense at the position is dubious, with 17 errors in 127 games throughout his minor-league career. His bat has never been a question, though. While it lacks the punch that Chourio provides, he puts bat to ball and makes sound swing decisions. If the Brewers want someone who could hold down third base for 2025, then move across the diamond should one of Brock Wilken or Mike Boeve prove themselves ready for MLB, Tyler Black could be the best choice.

Overview
It might be tempting to look to a trade or free agency to fill the hole at third base now that Willy Adames is with the Giants, but the Brewers are not locked into those options. They have a handful candidates who could be serviceable at third base—at least until a number of young prospects, including Wilken, Boeve, Eric Bitonti, Luke Adams, Juan Baez, and/or Cooper Pratt force their way to the majors.