Andruw Monasterio’s 2024 Season, Performance Analysis and Role with the Milwaukee Brewers

Quick Answer

Andruw Monasterio's 2024 season with the Milwaukee Brewers was defined by defensive versatility but offensive struggles, as he posted a .208/.303/.272 batting line with one home run and 16 RBI across limited playing time. His inability to produce consistent offense led to multiple assignments to Triple-A Nashville, and he entered 2025 still competing for a roster spot before being traded to the Boston Red Sox in February 2026.

As of July 30, 2026, Monasterio is on the injured list with a sports hernia, expected to return in August.

Key Facts

• 2024 batting line: .208/.303/.272 with 1 HR, 16 RBI, and 125 at-bats over 59 games for Milwaukee
• Defensive versatility: Played second base, third base, shortstop, first base, left field, and designated hitter in 2024
• Fielding performance: .984 fielding percentage at second base (21 games), .906 at third base (26 games)
• Optioned to Triple-A: Multiple times during 2024 season, including after only four games in the first two weeks
• 2025 bounce-back: Improved to .270/.319/.437 with 4 HR and 16 RBI in 68 games for Milwaukee
• Trade to Boston: Acquired by the Red Sox on February 9, 2026, as part of a multi-player deal
• 2026 injury: Placed on injured list with a sports hernia, return expected in August
• Salary: $720,000 per year as of 2025, with no signing bonus
• MLB career stats (through 2026): .247/.331/.355 with 13 HR and 76 RBI over 696 at-bats

Early Career and Path to the Brewers

From Venezuelan Tryout to Minor League Grind

Andruw Monasterio's professional journey began in 2014, when he tried out for the Chicago Cubs at the organization's Venezuelan academy at age 17. The Cubs signed him to a minor league contract on March 7, 2014, assigning him to the VSL Cubs.

This unassuming start was the first step in a career that would take him through three different organizations before reaching the majors. Monasterio spent several years in the Cubs system without reaching the big leagues.

In November 2020, he elected free agency and signed a minor league deal with the Cleveland Indians. The 2021 season saw him playing for the Akron RubberDucks, the Indians' Double-A affiliate, but again no call-up materialized.

When he elected free agency again in November 2021, the Milwaukee Brewers signed him to a minor league contract on November 11, 2021, assigning him to the Nashville Sounds.

Breaking Through in 2023

After parts of two full seasons in the Brewers' system, Monasterio finally received his first MLB call-up on May 27, 2023. He made his debut that day, stepping in when shortstop Willy Adames went on the concussion list.

The promotion ended a nine-year journey from the Venezuelan Summer League to the majors. In his rookie season, Monasterio showed promise, hitting .259 with a .719 OPS over 92 games.

He demonstrated both defensive versatility and an ability to make contact, striking out only 79 times in 309 at-bats. This performance earned him a spot on the Brewers' Opening Day roster in 2024.

2024 Season The Struggle and the Setbacks

A Cold Start and Quick Demotion

The 2024 season began with high expectations. Monasterio made the Brewers' Opening Day roster and even started on Opening Day.

However, the momentum evaporated quickly. Over the first two weeks, he appeared in only four games, and the Brewers optioned him to Triple-A Nashville after that brief stint.

This pattern of limited opportunities followed by demotion would define Monasterio's 2024 campaign. He simply could not establish consistent playing time.

When he did play, his offensive numbers failed to justify a regular spot in the lineup.

Offensive Numbers in Context

Monasterio finished 2024 with a slash line of .208/.303/.272 across 125 at-bats. His OPS of .575 was well below league average for a utility infielder.

The one home run he hit came in a part-time role that saw him start at second base (16 games), third base (17 games), and even one game at first base, plus appearances in left field and as designated hitter. Breaking down his performance against specific pitch types reveals uneven results:

• Against sinkers: Monasterio batted .222 with a .242 expected batting average, but posted a -3.1 run value, indicating significant struggles against this pitch type.
• Against sliders: He hit .208 with a .278 expected slugging percentage, showing some ability to put the ball in play but without power.
• Against changeups: A .133 batting average but a .333 expected batting average suggests he was unlucky on balls in play, though the sample size is small (17 pitches seen).
• Against curveballs: His best showing, with a .125 average but a .384 expected slugging percentage, indicates he made hard contact when he connected.

The underlying Statcast data paints a mixed picture. Monasterio's expected batting average (.232) was slightly higher than his actual average (.208), suggesting some bad luck.

However, his expected slugging percentage (.337) was only marginally better than his actual .272, confirming that power was not part of his game in 2024.

Defensive Versatility as a Double-Edged Sword

Monasterio's ability to play multiple positions kept him on the roster but also prevented him from settling into a regular role. In 2024, he logged innings at:

• Second base: 127.1 innings, 21 games, .984 fielding percentage, 13 double plays turned
• Third base: 166.2 innings, 26 games, .906 fielding percentage, 5 errors
• First base: 16.0 innings, 5 games, perfect 1.000 fielding percentage
• Left field: 2.0 innings, 1 game, no errors
• Designated hitter: 2 games

The defensive metrics reveal an interesting split. At second base, Monasterio was solid, posting a 4.24 range factor per nine innings (above the league average of 2.86).

He turned 13 double plays and committed only one error. At third base, however, his range factor dropped to 2.59 (below the league average of 2.55) and he committed five errors in 53 chances.

This defensive inconsistency at third base, combined with his offensive struggles, made it difficult for the Brewers to trust him in an everyday role. He was a utility player in the truest sense: capable of filling multiple positions but not excelling at any single one.

The 2025 Rebound and Trade to Boston

A Resurgent Season

After the disappointing 2024 campaign, Monasterio entered 2025 fighting for a roster spot. The Brewers optioned him to Nashville on March 20, 2025, but recalled him on May 9, 2025, after a short stint in Triple-A.

Once back in the majors, Monasterio showed significant improvement. In 68 games, he hit .270/.319/.437 with 4 home runs and 16 RBI in 126 at-bats.

His OPS jumped to .755, a 180-point increase over 2024. He also walked 7 times against 32 strikeouts, maintaining his contact-oriented approach while adding more power.

The improvement was particularly evident in his last 30 games of 2025, where he hit .243 with 4 home runs in 74 at-bats. In his final 15 games, he posted a .286 average with 3 home runs.

The power surge was real, even if the overall batting average remained modest. Defensively, Monasterio expanded his role further.

In 2025, he played 37 games at shortstop (201.0 innings), along with 15 games at first base and 10 games at second base. His fielding percentage at shortstop was .986, and he turned 12 double plays from that position.

The Trade to Boston

On February 9, 2026, the Brewers traded Monasterio to the Boston Red Sox as part of a multi-player deal. The Red Sox sent left-handed pitcher Kyle Harrison, left-handed pitcher Shane Drohan, and second baseman David Hamilton to Milwaukee, receiving Monasterio, third baseman Caleb Durbin, second baseman Anthony Seigler, and future considerations.

The trade reflected the Brewers' roster construction and Monasterio's role as a useful but expendable utility player. For the Red Sox, he provided infield depth behind established starters Trevor Story at shortstop and the newly acquired Durbin at third base.

2026 Season Injury and the Red Sox Role

A Promising Start Cut Short

Monasterio began 2026 with the Red Sox and appeared to be carving out a regular role. When Trevor Story suffered a sports hernia injury, Monasterio became the primary shortstop.

However, he soon landed on the injured list himself with the same injury—a sports hernia. As of July 30, 2026, Monasterio remains on the injured list.

Reports from June indicated his return was expected in August, meaning he could be back within the next few weeks. The timing is significant: the Red Sox are in the middle of a playoff race, and Monasterio's defensive versatility could be valuable down the stretch.

The Role with Boston

The Red Sox face a balancing act with Monasterio. His improved 2025 offensive numbers suggest he could be a productive everyday player, but his 2024 struggles remain a cautionary tale.

The team must decide whether to give him regular at-bats or use him primarily as a defensive replacement and spot starter. Monasterio's 2026 stats, as of the injury, show him hitting .239 with 5 home runs and 17 RBI in 163 at-bats (across all levels, including Triple-A rehab assignments).

His OPS of .731 is solid but not spectacular for a shortstop. The key question is whether he can maintain the power he showed in 2025 while improving his on-base percentage.

Frequently Asked Questions

What caused Andruw Monasterio's offensive struggles in 2024?

Monasterio's 2024 struggles stemmed from a combination of limited playing time, inconsistent contact quality, and an inability to generate power. His .208 batting average was partly due to bad luck on balls in play (expected batting average of .232), but his .272 slugging percentage indicated a genuine lack of power.

He also struggled against sinkers (-3.1 run value) and cutters (-1.9 run value), which pitchers exploited to keep him off balance.

Why did the Brewers trade Monasterio to the Red Sox?

The Brewers had a crowded infield and needed to address other roster needs. By trading Monasterio as part of a multi-player deal, they acquired left-handed pitching depth (Kyle Harrison and Shane Drohan) and a second base prospect (David Hamilton).

The move reflected Monasterio's status as a valuable but replaceable utility player in Milwaukee's system.

What is Monasterio's defensive strength?

Monasterio's primary defensive strength is his versatility. He has played every infield position plus left field in the majors.

His best position statistically is second base, where he posted a .984 fielding percentage and above-average range in 2024. At shortstop, he has shown solid glovework (.986 fielding percentage in 2025) but below-average range.

Third base remains his weakest position, with a .906 fielding percentage and five errors in 2024.

When is Monasterio expected to return from injury?

As of July 30, 2026, Monasterio is on the injured list with a sports hernia. Reports from late June indicated his return was expected in August.

The exact timeline depends on his recovery progress, but he could be back within the next few weeks.

How does Monasterio compare to other utility infielders in MLB?

Monasterio fits the profile of a high-floor utility player who provides defensive flexibility but inconsistent offense. His career .247 batting average and .686 OPS are below average for the position, but his ability to play multiple positions makes him valuable as a bench piece.

His 2025 improvement (.270/.319/.437) suggests he has the potential to be an above-average hitter if given consistent playing time, but his 2024 struggles show he can also be a liability at the plate.

Reference Notes

Information in this article is based on publicly available sources. Some details may change over time.

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