Sal Frelick's struggles this season have sparked a debate among Brewers fans. While some are calling for his demotion, I believe he deserves more time to prove himself. Frelick's offensive woes are concerning, but his defensive decline is even more alarming. The question remains: is Frelick's decline a result of injury, or is it simply a case of poor performance?
Offensive Struggles
Frelick's offensive numbers have taken a hit this season. His Statcast page reveals a concerning trend: his exit velocities, barrel percentage, and hard-hit percentage are all in the bottom 10%. This is despite the fact that he was a Gold Glove-winning outfielder last season. The issue seems to be his ground ball percentage, which has increased significantly this year. This is particularly problematic, as it suggests that Frelick is not maximizing his potential at the plate.
What's more, Frelick's slow bat speed may be preventing him from elevating the ball and maximizing his square-up percentage. This is a concern, as it suggests that he may not be able to adapt to the changing dynamics of the game. However, it's worth noting that Frelick is still one of the best players in the league at not striking out, which is a positive trait.
Defensive Decline
Frelick's defensive decline is even more alarming. His range and arm strength have both suffered, and he is now in the 48th percentile in range and the 9th percentile in arm value. This is a significant drop from his performance last season, when he was in the 85th percentile in range and the 71st percentile in arm value. The question remains: is Frelick's decline a result of injury, or is it simply a case of poor performance?
The Case for Patience
Despite Frelick's struggles, I believe he deserves more time to prove himself. He is still only 26 years old, and he has two years of solid major-league baseball behind him. He was a 3.6 fWAR player last season, and he has earned the respect of his teammates and coaches. Frelick's hard work and dedication to his craft are well-known, and he is clearly one of Pat Murphy's favorites.
The Future of Frelick
Whether there's positive regression in Frelick's future or not, we don't know. However, it's worth noting that Lara is no sure thing either. While Frelick's decline is concerning, I believe he deserves the chance to turn things around. The Brewers should give him the opportunity to prove himself, and if he fails, they can always make a change. In the end, Frelick has earned the chance to continue his journey with the Brewers, and I believe he will rise to the occasion.
