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Brewers Former First-Round Pick Quickly Becoming Star Second Baseman

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Former first-round draft pick Brice Turang is rapidly becoming a star second baseman for the NL Central Division-leading Milwaukee Brewers. Maintaining an energized, blue-collar approach to the game and unwavering quest for excellence at the position, he continues to make a statement in his second season at the major league level.

Brice Turang Quickly Becoming a Star In The Majors

Former First-Round Pick Striving For Excellence

Turang, 24, was a 2018 first-round draft pick of the Brewers (21st pick overall) and has made significant progress since making his MLB debut in 2023. Following an encouraging rookie campaign, he was officially named the team’s starting second baseman on March 24. Despite growing pains resulting in a .218 batting average last year, he has grown into a more complete player.

Brewers first-year manager Pat Murphy has been intrigued by Turang’s transition into a second-year pro in the majors. “I think this kid’s gonna make a quantum leap,” said Murphy, referring to Turang’s work ethic and steady development in a spring training interview with David Adler of MLB.com on March 12. “His swing decisions will be better, his contact will be better and his damage will come.”

In 29 games this season, Turang has produced a consistent .317 batting average with 32 hits, 16 runs scored, 12 RBI, six doubles, two home runs, and a team-high 14 stolen bases (second most in all of baseball).  Turang’s statement-making stolen-base total is second only to the Cincinnati Reds’ Elly De La Cruz (18). The fleet-footed, 6-foot 188-pound energizer has 10 multi-hit games to his credit, highlighted by a breakout individual effort in Milwaukee’s 10-8 loss to the Reds on April 8, finishing 2-for-4 with a season-best four RBI, including a two-run homer in the fifth and a two-run double in the sixth.

Energized Second Baseman Providing Valuable Leadership

Turang’s contributions have been critical to a young Brewers squad missing the offensive leadership of former NL MVP Christian Yelich, who has been out with a slow-healing strained lower back. For example, he went 2-for-4 to help Milwaukee achieve its early milestone 20th victory of the season Friday, a 3-1 afternoon road win over the Chicago Cubs at Wrigley Field. The first-place Brewers have won three straight games and are currently 20-11 overall (.645 winning percentage).

Over the course of last season, Turang gained notoriety as a reliable, high-caliber defender in the league, helping propel the Brewers to a prestigious team Gold Glove Award. Reminiscent of legendary longtime Brewers second baseman Jim Gantner, he takes pride in attempting to perfect the craft of making difficult defensive plays look routine. In 248 innings, he has remained error-free, registering 61 putouts and 73 assists while contributing to 16 double plays.

Turang, a natural shortstop, made a successful, unselfish transition to second base in 2023, immediately boosting the team’s defense. “I think I said it in the beginning of the year, it’s a shortstop playing second base,” said Brewers shortstop Willy Adames in an interview with Adam McCalvy of MLB.com on September 2, 2023. “I knew he was going to be really good because he works hard. As a shortstop moving to second base, he’s going to have a lot of range and a good arm. He’s athletic. He’s always going to make a lot of incredible plays. It’s just fun to watch him.”

The Brewers have experienced their share of adversity early on this season, but Turang has continued to thrive under the spotlight. Whether delivering a clutch hit, swiping another stolen base, or turning in a defensive gem, his star keeps shining bright.

 

Photo Credit: © Michael McLoone-USA TODAY Sports

The post Brewers Former First-Round Pick Quickly Becoming Star Second Baseman appeared first on Last Word On Baseball.