By Jordan Long
The Milwaukee Brewers added another bat to their lineup in hopes of a return trip to the MLB playoffs in 2020. They agreed to a 1-year contract with 1st baseman Justin Smoak for $5 million which includes an option for 2021.
Smoak is a 10-year veteran. The Brewers are going to be his 4th team. The previous 5 seasons, Smoak was in Toronto. Last year was a down year for him on offense. He hit .208, his worst year since 2014 when his batting average was .202.
Despite the average not being where he wanted it, Smoak was able to smack the baseball for extra base hits, ending with 16 doubles and 22 home runs. There were times where Smoak was patient at the plate, ending in 79 walks.
The only problem with his offense was strikeouts. He chased pitches outside or low in the zone. Smoak finished the season with 106 strikeouts.
The Brewers didn’t sign him because of his below-average offensive numbers, but his defense. Last year Smoak appeared in 89 games at 1st base. He fielded ground balls and caught line drives. Smoak rarely dropped a ball coming his way with 4 errors. Smoak was part of 64 double plays and had 42 infield assists.
Those are pretty decent numbers for a 1st baseman. Smoak should be the everyday 1st baseman for the Brewers. His defensive numbers should improve the Brewers’ infield. When he needs a day off, Ryan Braun can step in for him.
The Brewers are smart to sign Smoak. The deal is almost like a rental for a year. Smoak needs to prove last year was a fluke at the plate. He must hit better than .208. If he struggles, the Brewers will cut ties with him and Smoak will be a free agent in 2021.
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