Brewers Prospect Chad Patrick Finally Cracks Starting Rotation
After years of anticipation, top pitching prospect Chad Patrick has finally earned a spot in the starting rotation for the Milwaukee Brewers. The 23-year-old right-hander has impressed in spring training, showing improved command and velocity. He is expected to make his first start of the regular season on April 7 against the Chicago Cubs.
Patrick’s Journey to the Majors
Patrick was drafted by the Brewers in the first round of the 2018 MLB Draft. He quickly rose through the minor leagues, thanks to his electric fastball and sharp breaking pitches. In 2021, he spent the entire season at Triple-A Nashville, where he posted a 3.25 ERA and struck out 140 batters in 120 innings. However, he was held back by a lack of consistency and control.
Over the past year, Patrick has worked tirelessly to improve his command and refine his mechanics. The results have been evident this spring, as he has thrown multiple impressive outings. Brewers manager Craig Counsell believes that Patrick is now ready to make the jump to the majors.
Strengths and Weaknesses
Patrick’s greatest asset is his fastball, which can reach triple digits. He also throws a devastating slider that he can locate in any count. However, he has struggled with his changeup, which needs to be more consistent and effective as he faces major league hitters.
Another area that Patrick needs to improve is his control. He has shown a tendency to walk batters, which can lead to trouble. Counsell has emphasized the importance of command and has worked with Patrick to improve his pitch location.
Expectations for 2023
The Brewers are hoping that Patrick can provide a boost to their starting rotation, which has struggled in recent years. He is expected to be a middle-of-the-rotation starter who can eat innings and keep the team in games. If he can stay healthy and improve his control, he has the potential to be a frontline starter in the future.
Comparison to Other Prospects
Patrick’s path to the majors is similar to that of other top pitching prospects who have recently made an impact. Corbin Burnes, who won the NL Cy Young Award in 2021, spent years in the minors refining his command before becoming a dominant force in the majors. Patrick has a similar skill set to Burnes, and could follow in his footsteps with a successful career.
However, Patrick is not without his competition. Fellow prospect Ethan Small is also vying for a spot in the Brewers’ rotation. Small has shown excellent control and has a deceptive changeup. The Brewers could opt to start the season with a six-man rotation, which would give both Patrick and Small an opportunity to prove themselves.
Conclusion
Chad Patrick’s arrival in the Brewers’ starting rotation is a significant development for the team. He has the potential to be a difference-maker with his electric fastball and sharp breaking pitches. However, he still needs to improve his command and consistency. If he can do that, he could become a key part of the Brewers’ rotation for years to come.
Patrick’s success will also be a reflection of the Brewers’ player development system. The team has done an excellent job of identifying and developing young talent, and Patrick is the latest example of their success. The Brewers are hoping that Patrick can be a part of their future success, as they look to compete for a World Series championship.
