Why is Keston Hiura Not Playing?

Keston Hiura, a highly-touted second baseman for the Milwaukee Brewers, did not make the opening day roster for the 2021 season.

This decision was met with surprise and disappointment from many fans, as Hiura had shown great potential in previous seasons.

We will delve into the reasons why Hiura is not playing and examine the impact of his absence on the Brewers’ lineup.

We will also analyze Hiura’s performance, both in the 2020 season and during spring training in 2021, to better understand the factors that led to his exclusion from the roster.

Finally, we will consider what the future may hold for Hiura, both with the Brewers and in the league as a whole.

Reasons for Hiura’s Absence

Struggles During the 2020 Season

1. Poor offensive performance: Hiura’s offensive performance during the 2020 season was a major cause for concern. Despite showing promise in his rookie year in 2019, Hiura struggled to find his footing in 2020. He hit just .212 with 13 home runs and 32 RBIs in 59 games played. Additionally, Hiura’s strikeout rate skyrocketed to 34.6%, with him striking out 85 times in just 217 at-bats. These numbers were a significant drop-off from his impressive rookie campaign, where he hit .303 with 19 home runs and 49 RBIs in 84 games.

2. Defensive concerns: In addition to his struggles at the plate, Hiura also had some issues on the defensive side of the ball. He committed six errors in just 46 games played, leading to concerns about his ability to handle the second base position.

Lackluster Performance During 2021 Spring Training

Hiura’s struggles continued during the 2021 spring training season. He hit just .152 with no home runs and two RBIs in 13 games played.

This lackluster performance, combined with his struggles in the 2020 season, likely contributed to the Brewers’ decision to leave him off the opening day roster.

Impact of Hiura’s Absence

Brewers’ Decision to Send Him to Their Alternate Training Site

Hiura’s absence from the opening day roster resulted in the Brewers sending him to their alternate training site.

This means that he will not be with the team on a daily basis and will not have a regular spot in the lineup. However, he will still be able to practice with the team and work on improving his skills.

Hiura’s Future With the Brewers

1. Possibility of a trade or designation for assignment: Since Hiura is out of minor-league options, the Brewers would have to trade him or designate him for assignment if they wanted to send him to the minors.

   This means that there is a possibility that the Brewers may choose to move on from Hiura if they cannot find a place for him on the roster.

   Alternatively, another team may express interest in trading for Hiura, giving him an opportunity to start fresh elsewhere.

2. Potential for a return to the lineup: While Hiura’s exclusion from the opening day roster was disappointing, it does not mean that his career with the Brewers is over.

   If he is able to work on his skills and improve his performance, there is a chance that he could return to the lineup later in the season.

   In fact, the Brewers have expressed confidence in Hiura’s abilities and have stated that they believe he can be a valuable contributor to the team if he is able to find his footing.

Analysis of Hiura’s Performance

Evaluation of His Offensive and Defensive Capabilities

Hiura’s offensive skills are his main strength. In his rookie year, he demonstrated the ability to hit for power and average, making him a valuable asset to the Brewers.

However, in the 2020 season, his performance dropped off significantly, particularly in his batting average and strikeout rate.

His defensive skills have also been a concern, with him committing several errors during the 2020 season. It’s possible that his struggles on the defensive end may be a result of his focus on his offensive game.

Comparison to Other Players in the League

Hiura’s potential as a player has been compared to some of the league’s top second basemen, including the Atlanta Braves’ Ozzie Albies and the Los Angeles Dodgers’ Gavin Lux.

However, his recent struggles have put him in a less favorable position than these players. While Hiura is still young and has time to improve, he will need to show significant progress if he wants to be considered among the league’s elite second basemen.

Keston Hiura’s Offensive Statistics

This table highlights the decline in Hiura’s offensive performance between his rookie year and his 2020 season. It shows that his batting average, on-base percentage, and slugging percentage all dropped significantly, while his strikeout rate increased.

FAQs

Is Keston Hiura still considered a top prospect for the Milwaukee Brewers?

While Hiura was once considered a top prospect for the Brewers, his recent struggles have put his future with the team in question. However, he is still young and has shown potential, so it is possible that he could reclaim his status as a top prospect with the team.

What are the Brewers’ other options at second base?

The Brewers have a few other options at second base, including Luis Urias and Daniel Robertson. Both players have seen playing time at second base in the past, and it’s possible that they could take over the position if Hiura is unable to improve his performance.

Could Keston Hiura play another position?

While Hiura has primarily played second base in his professional career, it is possible that he could play another position if needed. However, he has not played any other positions in the majors or minors, so it’s unclear how he would fare in a different position.

Is Keston Hiura still eligible for Rookie of the Year?

No, Hiura is not eligible for Rookie of the Year in 2021, as he exceeded the rookie limits in 2019.

Conclusion

Keston Hiura’s absence from the opening day roster for the Milwaukee Brewers was a result of his struggles during the 2020 season and lackluster performance during the 2021 spring training season.

While his offensive skills have shown potential, his defensive capabilities and consistency at the plate have been a cause for concern.

However, the Brewers have expressed confidence in Hiura’s abilities and have not ruled out the possibility of him returning to the lineup later in the season.

As Hiura continues to work on his skills, it remains to be seen what the future holds for him both with the Brewers and in the league as a whole.