Keon Broxton’s first full season in the big leagues started out rough. He managed to make it onto the opening day roster for the Milwaukee Brewers in 2016, but struggled at the plate. Broxton started out 0-16 in the beginning of the season, causing him to be demoted to the minors. He was called back up in May, but still wasn’t producing at the plate with a .125 batting average in 75 at-bats. The Brewers decided to send him down to the minors once more.

Something had to change for Broxton. It was during his second stint in the minors that he decided to tweak his swing. Broxton went from having his hands slightly over his head to a more compact swing with his hands closer to his hips. You can continue to watch and read about his change here. Broxton began to heat up in the minors and continued in the majors when he was called back up on July 25.

Broxton’s performance from July to the end of the season showed what he was capable of. In less than 50 games, he had a .288 batting average, 8 home runs, 17 runs batted in, 20 runs and 16 stolen bases. Not only was he picking it up at the plate, but he was also flashing the glove too. Broxton’s 6’3” stature and speed makes it easy for him to cover ground in center field. Broxton nearly saved a game last year after robbing Anthony Rizzo of a home run in the bottom of the ninth.

A simple change in his swing was all Broxton needed to start gaining confidence in the majors. On August 21, Broxton had his first multi home run game against Seattle. He was playing so well in the last couple of months in the season until he suffered a wrist injury after running into the ivy when robbing Tommy La Stella of extra bases in Chicago. Unfortunately his injury caused him to miss the rest of the season.

Nevertheless, Broxton picked up right where he left off this spring training. As of now, he is hitting for a .395 batting average with 3 home runs and 10 runs batted in. Broxton’s production in Arizona is making it difficult for Lewis Brinson to play in a crowded outfield for the Brewers. Brinson was the top prospect for the Texas Rangers until he was acquired by the Brewers in the trade for Jonathan Lucroy last year. Brinson was expected to be on the opening day roster after this spring. Broxton has clearly earned his right to be the Brewers starting center fielder come opening day. It’s up to him to keep polishing his game. Hopefully Broxton can carry his production from spring into the regular season. This will help him become a major key in the Brewers success for the upcoming season.

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