Who is Sal Frelick? Meet the Brewers rookie OF who stole the show in his MLB debut

Nick Brinkerhoff

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Who is Sal Frelick? Meet the Brewers rookie OF who stole the show in his MLB debut image

Welcome to the Show, Sal Frelick. 

The Brewers, engaged in a battle with rookie sensation Elly De La Cruz and the Reds atop the NL Central, decided to call up one of their top prospects on Saturday to give their lineup a jolt. 

And give them a jolt he did. 

Frelick introduced himself to the Brew Crew faithful at American Family Field with a debut that people in Wisconsin won't forget anytime soon.

The promotion of Milwaukee's No. 2 prospect — and MLB Pipeline's No. 17 prospect — added to the youth movement that has swept across baseball this season.

MORE: 10 prospects who could help their teams in 2023 as second-half call-ups

The Sporting News introduces you to Sal Frelick, the Brewers' newest right fielder. 

Who is Sal Frelick?

The Brewers selected Frelick in the first round (No. 15 overall) of the 2021 MLB Draft out of Boston. He received a $4 million bonus to sign with Milwaukee, slightly above the slot value $3,885,800. From there, he rocketed up the organizational rankings, his rise slowed only by a thumb injury. Frelick was behind only fellow outfield prospect Jackson Chourio at the time he received his call-up from Triple-A Nashville.

Last spring, Frelick played for Italy in the World Baseball Classic before he resumed working his way through the Brewers' system.

But baseball wasn't the only sport in Frelick's life.

The Lexington, Mass., native was also a high school football star. He was the starting quarterback at Lexington High School and was named the state's Gatorade Player of the Year as a senior after passing for 30 touchdowns. BC offered Frelick both football and baseball scholarships, with Frelick eventually selecting the latter. 

MORE: MLB prospect rankings updated after 2023 draft

He is the son of Jeff Frelick, a former University of Pittsburgh football player. Needless to say, there was a proud dad in the stands to cheer him on. 

Frelick's mom, Patty, will be in Milwaukee on Sunday. She was back home on Saturday keeping the family dog company, Frelick told reporters.

How did Sal Frelick do in his MLB debut?

By this point in the 2023 season, it's no secret that the Brewers need help in right field.

“We're not getting production out of right field,” Milwaukee manager Craig Counsell said prior to Saturday's game against the Braves. "We're going to try to get more production out of right field, and Sal's going to get a shot to give us that."

Frelick told reporters pregame what he expects to give the Brew Crew.

"I'm just really excited to show everyone the guy who they drafted two years ago — kind of a little spark plug, pesky at the plate, dirty uniform, stuff like that," he said.

By the time the game had ended, Frelick had checked off all three boxes. He went 3 for 3 (all singles), drove in two runs — including the game-winner — and scored one himself from the No. 6 spot in the order. 

Brewers right fielders had mustered a .183/.271/.275 slash line heading into Saturday's action, so the upgrade was immediate.

The rookie also shined in the field, with two leaping catches that will earn him love on many highlight reels. 

MORE: When is the MLB trade deadline in 2023?

Frelick got the full treatment afterward, with the crowd chanting his name and his teammates giving him a Gatorade bath.

With his new club primed for a stretch run, Frelick might just be the spark plug that gets Milwaukee started.

Nick Brinkerhoff

Nick Brinkerhoff Photo

Nick Brinkerhoff is a content producer at The Sporting News covering the NFL, NBA and other sports. A proud New Jerseyan, Nick is also a graduate of Rutgers University. He is always in the mood for a good joke, the day’s best bets, or a debate about the mediocrity of the New York sports scene.