Analyzing the Strengths and Present Weaknesses of the Brewers' Day 1 Draft Picks

[Spencer Michaelis]

When the baseball industry zigs, the Brewers often zag. In a draft that was considered to be slanted toward college bats, the Brewers only used one of their four Day One selections on a player fitting that description. Instead taking a high school bat in Round 1 and grabbing two prep pitchers with picks 57 and 67.

Image courtesy of © Peter Ackerman / USA TODAY NETWORK

What are the strengths and opportunities for improvement for these four players, as they begin their journey in pro baseball? Let’s explore. For each pick, you'll find their position, age, school, height, weight, handedness, and position on Jamie Cameron’s consensus board listed under their name.

Braylon Payne, 17th Overall Pick
OF, 17, Fort Bend Elkins HS (TX), 6’1, 180, L/L (56)
The Brewers' selection of Payne was a surprise, to be sure. Ranked 56th on the consensus board, most saw his ceiling as being a potential late-20s or early-30s selection. The Brewers, once again, zagged in this scenario, taking the speedy outfielder at 17, and likely saved some money in the process.

Payne’s profile is buoyed by his plus-plus speed. He posted an elite 6.28 time in the 60-yard dash as a Junior. His speed helps him play a really strong center field, though he relies too heavily on that sheer athleticism to be a plus defender at the moment. Still, he generally gets good jumps and takes solid routes. 

At the plate, Payne made some significant improvements over the course of the last two years. At one point, he was strictly a slap hitter, with a bat path tailored to hitting ground balls. While he certainly still has elements of that approach, he has flattened out the path a bit, and his hit tool is one of the better ones in the high school class. With his quick hands, he also began to show some ability to impact the ball this year (hitting three home runs his senior year), but his power is still likely to max out as fringe-average or average barring a much bigger change to his swing and approach.

Bat-to-ball skills are already there for Payne, as well as a sound approach in terms of swing decisions. The Brewers will definitely need to see continued improvement in his ability to lift the ball and in his swing over the next three or four years, but the mold of a star is there for them to work with.

While Payne’s defense and speed give him a relatively high floor for a prep player, his bat is still going to be the main factor driving his potential to have a successful major-league career, and there are still many questions about it.

Blake Burke, 34th Overall Pick
1B, 21, Tennessee, 6’3, 240, L/L (49)
Burke turned 21 about a month before the draft. Standing 6’3" and weighing 240 pounds, his frame and lack of speed confines him to a first-base only profile. Burke will not have any positional versatility, which means he is going to have to hit at a very high level. 

The good news? He is capable of hitting at that level. Burke has the appearance of your typical power-first “masher”, and that is certainly a big part of his profile, boasting arguably the most power in the entire class. Burke had 51 extra-base hits in 2024, including 20 home runs, one triple, and a Division I-best 30 doubles. He also showed exit velocities of up to 117 MPH on balls that left the yard.

The impressive part of Burke’s offensive game is that he’s more than just a power threat. His hit tool grades out as around average, and could be a bit better. Burke limited strikeouts to a 14.9% clip in 2024 and has pretty good bat-to-ball skills in general. Breaking balls can give him trouble from time to time, and those will only be tougher in pro ball, but this isn’t a player who should have huge strikeout concerns. He is known to expand the zone more often than you would want to see, but that can be blamed on an inability to differentiate balls and strikes in the shadow zones. He’s not often flailing at pitches that are nowhere near the zone.

Burke’s defense grades as well below average by most publications, but I see someone with pretty good hands. He’s mainly hurt by his general lack of athleticism limiting his range. Something of a Rowdy Tellez type, he shouldn’t make many errors, and should do well with picking bad throws, but won’t be able to get to too many balls that are outside of his wingspan. 

It’s an offense-first profile, but it’s the type of profile that could be a middle-of-the-order bat. He will be a fun bat to follow in the system, and could move pretty quickly at first.

Bryce Meccage, 57th Overall Pick
RHP, 18, Pennington HS (NJ), 6’4, 210, S/R (63)
Meccage (pronounced like “message”) is a pick that feels very similar to the Josh Knoth selection in 2023. Both Northeast prep players (Knoth being from New York), Knoth could really spin the ball, and Meccage is known for a similar ability to generate spin. Both saw a jump in velocity heading into their senior seasons, too. 

Meccage has worked with Tread Athletics, a well-known organization that operates similarly to Driveline, since shortly after COVID in 2021. In a short feature on Tread’s YouTube page, Meccage said when he arrived at Tread he was sitting 84-86 on his fastball and had touched 89. He now sits 94-96 and has touched 98 MPH. His fastball is a solid offering, not only due to the velocity but thanks to his high spin rate on the pitch. He has struggled to find a consistent shape with it so far, which is something he will work to improve in pro ball.

Meccage throws a slider in the low 80s with some sweep and some depth to it, with high spin rates as well. He also throws a curveball with more depth to it than the slider. The curve comes in a few ticks slower, sitting in the upper 70s. Meccage also throws a changeup in the mid-80s that he has improved significantly over the last couple of years, thanks in large part to Tread teaching him what they call a “kick change” to replace his old changeup. 

Meccage has solid command, but there's definitely room to grow in that regard. Finding consistency with his changeup and curveball, as well as improving his command will be paramount to his success, especially if he hopes to stick as a starting pitcher.

Chris Levonas, 67th Overall Pick
RHP, 18, Christian Brothers Academy (NJ), 6’2, 175, L/R (79)
Levonas is yet another Northeast prep arm from New Jersey, though his profile is a bit different than those of Knoth and Meccage. Committed to Wake Forest, Levonas will likely receive a signing bonus well over slot value to sign.

A five-pitch pitcher who throws a regular four-seam fastball as well as a cutter, Levonas has good qualities in both of them. The four-seam spins up to 2,600 RPM and has around 17” of induced vertical break, with another 10” of horizontal break--all while reaching up to 97 MPH, though it sits in the 92-93 range. It’s a good shape that plays up even more, due to the spin. His upper-80s cutter has had up to 5” of glove-side movement, which is really strong for a cutter.

His breaking balls are both high-spin offerings, too. The low-80s slider, with around 13” of sweep, spins at nearly 2,900 RPM, and the mid-70s curveball (with -11 IVB and around the same amount of sweep as the slider) can spin up to 3,000 RPM. Levonas also started flashing a changeup more often this past year, and it has good life to it as well, though the velocity is only around 5 MPH lower than his average fastball.

Levonas only weighs around 175 pounds right now, so he will add some mass over time, which could help him bump up that fastball velocity. His delivery is a really athletic one, with his stride looking similar to the way Freddy Peralta jumps down the mound, giving him a ton of extension for a 6’2" frame.

The amount of movement in the delivery has caused some command issues as well, so that will be something he will be working to improve. If he can, he certainly has the repertoire to be a starter in the long term.

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What did you make of the Brewers Day One picks? Who are you excited to see debut in pro ball? Join in the discussion with a comment below.

 

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[Sugarrayray]

Man I love those picks for the two pitchers. Feel really good about both of them.

[BrewerFan]

12 hours ago, Sugarrayray said:

Man I love those picks for the two pitchers. Feel really good about both of them.

I don't know anymore than what I just saw...and yes! Same here. They're dynamic and...just give me all the prep arms you can who can throw mid 90s(you know they're going to add strength, fill out) and who can spin it like these guys can. 

The only thing I didn't like about last years draft was we lost Chambers too early(still a little miffed we had to give up such a highly regarded prospect for a player who was being DFA'ed but...impossible to argue with the results). 

 

It's time people talk about the Brewers front office in the same breath they talk about the Rays, Guardians and...yes, despite the massive payroll, the Dodgers is outstanding as well. The Padres may be the NL version of the Os, but they've been far too impatient, but I digress.

We're well run. And if our first rd pick who's drawn FAR too much consternation for vaguely resembling Corey Ray who didn't make an impact, doesn't pan out, I like that we went after several high quality young arms. 

[jay87shot]

3 minutes ago, BrewerFan said:

I don't know anymore than what I just saw...and yes! Same here. They're dynamic and...just give me all the prep arms you can who can throw mid 90s(you know they're going to add strength, fill out) and who can spin it like these guys can. 

The only thing I didn't like about last years draft was we lost Chambers too early(still a little miffed we had to give up such a highly regarded prospect for a player who was being DFA'ed but...impossible to argue with the results). 

 

It's time people talk about the Brewers front office in the same breath they talk about the Rays, Guardians and...yes, despite the massive payroll, the Dodgers is outstanding as well. The Padres may be the NL version of the Os, but they've been far too impatient, but I digress.

We're well run. And if our first rd pick who's drawn FAR too much consternation for vaguely resembling Corey Ray who didn't make an impact, doesn't pan out, I like that we went after several high quality young arms. 

If it makes you feel any better Chambers has only pitched 3.2 innings at a 17 era.

Love the prep arms but keeping a young starter healthy for 4.5 years to get to the bigs is a tough proposition in itself.

[BrewerFan]

20 minutes ago, jay87shot said:

If it makes you feel any better Chambers has only pitched 3.2 innings at a 17 era.

Love the prep arms but keeping a young starter healthy for 4.5 years to get to the bigs is a tough proposition in itself.

It does not. He's coming off TJ surgery. He wasn't expected to have a significant impact as a rookie. He still got, IIRC, the 5th highest signing bonus of that class and has a high ceiling. 

11 ours coming off a TJ doesn't tell me really anything other than...he's back and pitching.

And sure, it's hard to get a prep arm to the big leagues. That's...a given. It's also where you often get the largest rewards. I'd guess most of the aces in MLB were drafted/signed at 18/16 and the College arms are most often top draft picks. 

[Trax]

I was more confident in last years high school picks, we shall see.

 

Is there going to be a Signing Tracker posted on this site?

[Jake McKibbin]

2 hours ago, Trax said:

I was more confident in last years high school picks, we shall see.

 

Is there going to be a Signing Tracker posted on this site?

https://brewerfanatic.com/milwaukee-brewers-draft-picks/2024/

[Trax]

2 hours ago, Jake McKibbin said:

https://brewerfanatic.com/milwaukee-brewers-draft-picks/2024/

I saw that, didn't realize you'd be updating contracts from there.  Thanks!

[Jim French Stepstool]

If Paynes' power only maxes out to fringe-avg or avg save for a major change to his swing & approach, so be it. I just get nervous when there's a major overhaul, especially one that's implemented to add power, and I hope that isn't in the cards. Maybe you tweak a little, but other than that let any natural increase in size & strength be the determining factor in whether or not he starts driving the ball. He has his offensive strengths; IMO letting him hone those with any add-ons to his power potential coming naturally should be the way to go.

[nate82]

19 minutes ago, Jim French Stepstool said:

If Paynes' power only maxes out to fringe-avg or avg save for a major change to his swing & approach, so be it. I just get nervous when there's a major overhaul, especially one that's implemented to add power, and I hope that isn't in the cards. Maybe you tweak a little, but other than that let any natural increase in size & strength be the determining factor in whether or not he starts driving the ball. He has his offensive strengths; IMO letting him hone those with any add-ons to his power potential coming naturally should be the way to go.

I agree just let the player be who they are.  If they fail then start making changes otherwise just let them be who they are.

[Playing Catch]

On 7/19/2024 at 6:30 PM, Jim French Stepstool said:

If Paynes' power only maxes out to fringe-avg or avg save for a major change to his swing & approach, so be it. I just get nervous when there's a major overhaul, especially one that's implemented to add power, and I hope that isn't in the cards. Maybe you tweak a little, but other than that let any natural increase in size & strength be the determining factor in whether or not he starts driving the ball. He has his offensive strengths; IMO letting him hone those with any add-ons to his power potential coming naturally should be the way to go.

I generally agree that major overhauls are often a fool's errand, but for a 17-year-old, kid's just starting his journey. a tweak here or there for the next 4 or 5 seasons, and voila! a major overhaul.

Also (*non-scout caveat*), I didn't think Payne's swing was so odd that it would require major changes. Just seems a little flat, and that he's been coached to get out of the box as soon as possible.

[Jim French Stepstool]

5 hours ago, Playing Catch said:

I generally agree that major overhauls are often a fool's errand, but for a 17-year-old, kid's just starting his journey. a tweak here or there for the next 4 or 5 seasons, and voila! a major overhaul.

Also (*non-scout caveat*), I didn't think Payne's swing was so odd that it would require major changes. Just seems a little flat, and that he's been coached to get out of the box as soon as possible.

I think 'a little flat' isn't a bad way to describe it. But it's a swing that I believe can produce line drives & enough hard-hit balls that I hope they don't go crazy with any changes. I imagine his bat path won't stay exactly the same, but overall his speed seems elite & I say let the speed play.

[biedergb]

I don’t think the brewers are going to revamping swings.  That interview with Brenton Del Chiaro, MILB hitting instructor has the “you be you” approach.  Now they will encourage players if they want to make changes, and offer suggestions, but that is the current coaching philosophy. 
So likely to see tweaks, and offer data to make suggestions to players to try to help them see what they can do to try to improve, but let them start with whatever got them here and had success in the past.

[Playing Catch]

1 hour ago, biedergb said:

I don’t think the brewers are going to revamping swings.  That interview with Brenton Del Chiaro, MILB hitting instructor has the “you be you” approach.  Now they will encourage players if they want to make changes, and offer suggestions, but that is the current coaching philosophy. 
So likely to see tweaks, and offer data to make suggestions to players to try to help them see what they can do to try to improve, but let them start with whatever got them here and had success in the past.

I like that approach, and agree that is the typical tack for developing hitters. But I would presume that for 17 year-old hitters, the development team would be a bit more hands-on.

If the coaching staff is literally not providing any criticism or feedback for a 17-year-old hitter, I would argue they aren't doing a very good job coaching.

[CheezWizHed]

On 7/21/2024 at 12:39 PM, Playing Catch said:

I like that approach, and agree that is the typical tack for developing hitters. But I would presume that for 17 year-old hitters, the development team would be a bit more hands-on.

If the coaching staff is literally not providing any criticism or feedback for a 17-year-old hitter, I would argue they aren't doing a very good job coaching.

I would assume this is more of an approach to not recreate everyone into the latest hot trend in hitting.  The major part of getting someone to change is to convince them this change is what they want.  

I'm sure the players get plenty of feedback, a variety of options and ways to improve, and let the hitter play with the options...