Sal Frelick's recent struggles have sparked debate among baseball enthusiasts and analysts alike. While his offensive performance has been less than stellar, with a decline in key metrics like exit velocity and barrel percentage, the real concern lies in his defensive capabilities. The article delves into Frelick's challenges, exploring the reasons behind his struggles and the potential implications for his future with the Brewers.
The Offensive Conundrum
Frelick's offensive woes are evident in his Statcast data, which reveals a consistent pattern of poor performance in various metrics. Despite his impressive ability to avoid strikeouts, his overall hitting approach seems to be the culprit. The author highlights the irony of Frelick's high square-up percentage, which is maximized when he hits line drives, but this hasn't translated into success this season. Instead, he's been hitting too many ground balls, leading to a low batting average on balls in play (BABIP).
The analysis suggests that Frelick's struggles are not due to a lack of power or a poor approach, but rather a result of his bat path and launch angles. His high ground ball percentage and low launch angle indicate that he's hitting over the top of the ball too often, leading to poor contact and a low BABIP. This realization raises questions about the potential adjustments needed to improve his hitting.
Defensive Concerns
The article takes a deeper dive into Frelick's defensive capabilities, where the author expresses alarm. His defensive metrics, such as Outs Above Average (OAA) and Defensive Runs Saved (DRS), have taken a significant hit this season. Frelick's fielding run value has dropped from the 85th percentile in 2025 to the 28th percentile in 2026, indicating a noticeable decline in his overall defensive performance.
The author explores various factors that could contribute to this decline, including potential injuries and speculation about Frelick's health. Despite some concerns, the author notes that Frelick's sprint speed remains intact, which is a positive sign. However, the question of whether an injury is affecting his upper body or his ability to reach balls remains unanswered.
A Case for Patience
Despite the current struggles, the author advocates for patience with Frelick. They argue that his young age (26) and previous success, including a Gold Glove in 2024, warrant a longer-term perspective. Frelick's fWAR of 3.6 last season and his status as a hard-working teammate further support the case for giving him a chance to turn things around.
The author also acknowledges the potential impact of Luis Lara's arrival, but emphasizes that Frelick should not be written off just yet. They suggest that Frelick's struggles may be a result of positive regression, and his recent improvement in June (.303/.378/.394) could be a sign of things to come. However, the author also acknowledges the possibility of injury and the need for Frelick to prioritize his health.
In conclusion, the article presents a nuanced view of Sal Frelick's situation, urging a balanced approach that considers both his offensive and defensive struggles while recognizing his potential for improvement.
