Article: Pros and Cons of Potential Draft Picks for Brewers at No, 18

[Harold Hutchison]

Picking at #18 overall, the Brewers will probably have little chance of some of the most hyped prospects in the 2023 MLB draft. That said, there will be a number of choices for the team at #18. Who could they pick? Let’s take a page from Leslie Knope and put together a pros and cons list for some of them.

Image courtesy of © Chris Jones-USA TODAY Sports

This whole exercise will be based on the Consensus Big Board as of May 24. This will include the player listed at that spot, a couple of players in the five spaces after number 18; two guys who are in the five spaces before 18; a couple of cheeseballs within the top 30; a “dropper” in the top ten, and a pair of “reaches” in the range of 31-50.

At the pick

#18 – 3B Aidan Miller, Mitchell High School (Florida)

Pros: A big power bat who plays third base. Described as having a “solid” hit tool. Good defense. Power tool rated at 60 on the 20-80 scale.

Cons: Prep athlete, not likely to rapidly climb the system. Might not stick at third, could end up at first base.

Before the #18 pick

#13 – 2B Tommy Troy, Stanford University

Pros: Excellent hitter. College bat who could rapidly rise through the system. Improving atrikeout-to-walk ratio, shows ability to make adjustments.

Cons: Missed time with injury. Is a bat-first player who may need to move to left field or DH. Farm system already crowded with middle infield prospects.

#15 – RHP Noble Meyer, Jesuit High School (Oregon)

Pros: Tall (6’5”) who could possibly add some muscle. Already a good power arm with a fastball and slider.

Cons: Prep arm, which hasn’t worked so well for the Brewers at times. Third pitch a work in progress. Not likely to move rapidly through the system.

After the No. 18 pick

#20 – 1B/RHP Bryce Eldridge, Madison High School (Virginia)

Pros: Two-way threat as first baseman and pitcher. Potential ability to also handle corner outfield slots. Left-handed bat, which could fit well at American Family Field.

Cons: Prep player, and not likely to rapidly climb the ladder to the majors. Crew’s handling of Quinton Low indicates that one side of potential two-way contribution could be ignored.

#21 – 3B Brayden Taylor, Texas Christian University

Pros: Left-handed power bat that could do well in American Family Field. Good defense at third base. Could move up the ladder relatively quickly. Excellent walk rate in college. Line-drive power to all fields.

Cons: Strikes out a lot. Exit velocity relatively low despite high come run totals.

Top 30 “Cheeseballs”

#27 – OF Chase Davis, University of Arizona

Pros: Could move quickly up the system. Left-handed bat with power and OBP skills. Cut down strikeouts from 2022 to 2023.

Cons: Crowded position in the farm system. Still has a relatively high strikeout rate. Not a threat on the basepaths.

#30 – 1B Nolan Schanuel, Florida Atlantic University

Pros: Does not strike out much. Incredible OBP skills. Threat on the basepaths. Could rapidly climb through the farm system. Plays a position of need in the system. Has some corner OF and 3B experience in summer leagues.

Cons: Primarily plays first base, and DH may be the other option. FAU not known for facing powerhouse teams. Primarily played in warm weather.

Potential “Dropper”

#7 Jacob Gonzalez, University of Mississippi

Pros: Could rapidly move through farm system. Excellent OBP skills. Avoids strikeouts. Possibly a left-handed Jeff Cirillo or Mark Loretta. Played well in SEC.

Cons: Shortstop is crowded. Lacks speed on basepaths. Not a lot of power.

The “Reaches”

#38 – SS Adrian Santana, Doral Academy (Florida)

Pros: Switch-hitter. Excellent defense. Speedy. High-contact bat.

Cons: Not likely to move up the ladder quickly. Shortstop a very crowded position in farm system.

#41 – C/1B Raffaelle Velazquez, Huntington Beach High School (California)

Pros: High-power lefty bat. Has versatility, playing catcher, first base, and third base. Could be an option in corner OF slots with strong arm. Superb plate discipline.

Cons: Prep bat, not likely to move fast through system. Needs work behind the plate, which could stunt development of offense. Catcher somewhat crowded in system.

Which player from here would you like to see the Brewers draft?

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[BlightyBrew]

Miller or Taylor for me.  Doesn't matter if Miller won't stick at 3B.  We need a 1B.

Also, side note the link on Brayden Taylor is to the wrong Brayden Taylor.

[jay87shot]

I'd pick the two guys (18 and 33)with the most potential to be middle of the order bats. We need some run producers who hit better than .230. There are a ton of 3B college bats who would fit out org. perfectly. I would go Schaunel or Taylor 18 and Jake Gelof 33. However I would be ok taking say Gelof 18, a different lower ranked college bat (45-60 range) save $ and take a high end arm that drops in the 2nd or even 3rd.