Your 2025 Carolina Mudcats

[Jim Goulart]

Via 97.3's Drew & KB Show - Doug Russell and Hunter Baumgardt hosting (Hour Two): "Former Milwaukee TV Sports Anchor Kevin Holden talks about the story he did in Carolina with Jesus Made and discusses other Carolina Mudcats" (go to the 29:30 minute mark)

[Ro Mueller]

I was surprised to see 18-year LHP Enderson Mercado promoted to Low-A Carolina, but I guess I shouldn't be given our recent aggressive track record (e.g. Enniel Cortez, Melvin Hernandez).

He will immediately become the youngest pitcher in the 12-team Carolina League. In fact, he's the first pitcher in the league born in 2007 (March 23) and just the 4th 2007-born player in the league.

For what it's worth, Jesus Made (May 8) was quite easily the youngest player in the league all season, but was finally usurped by Braves' INF Juan Mateo (May 22), who was promoted 4 days ago.

 

[Jim Goulart]

 

[Jim Goulart]

 

[Jim Goulart]

 

[Jim Goulart]

 

[Jim Goulart]

Nice job with English, Luis!

[Jim Goulart]

Carolina Press Release:

Mudcats Sweep Brewers Monthly Awards

ZEBULON, N.C. - The Milwaukee Brewers on Wednesday named Carolina Mudcats outfielder Braylon Payne the organization's Minor League Player of the Month for July while also selecting former RHP Travis Smith as the clubs Minor League Pitcher of the Month for July. 

Payne posted a slash line of .383/.517/.638 (18-for-47) with 3 doubles, 3 home runs, 8 RBI, 15 runs, 6 stolen bases and a 1.155 OPS in 13 games for the Mudcats. 

Selected by Milwaukee in the first round (17th overall) of the 2024 First-Year Player Draft, Payne, is ranked Milwaukee’s number eight prospect and in July tied for fourth in the Carolina League in home runs (3) and runs (15).

Smith posted a perfect 4-0 record in July with a 0.69 ERA (26.0 IP, 2 ER) over five starts for the Mudcats before earning a promotion to High-A Wisconsin on July 31. Smith fanned 24 batters and recorded a 0.88 WHIP while holding opponents to a .180 batting average and not allowing a run in three of his five starts.

Drafted by the Brewers in the 15th round of the 2024 First-Year Player Draft, Smith led the Carolina League in wins (4) and innings pitched (26.0) in July and ranked among the league leaders in ERA (2nd, 0.69), WHIP (3rd, 0.88), opponent batting average (.180) and strikeouts (T-5th, 24).

As a team, Carolina went 13-9 in July and led the Carolina League with a 2.59 staff ERA and were second in the league with 13 home runs.

[markedman5]

 

[Jim Goulart]

 

[Jim Goulart]

 

[Jim Goulart]

Newest Mudcat - indy ball signing

 

[Jim Goulart]

 

[Jim Goulart]

 

[Jim Goulart]

 

[Jim Goulart]

We have an Eric Bitonti sighting.

Ok

[Ro Mueller]

Jose Anderson might play some winter ball or at least get to train with Tigres del Licey: 

 

[Ro Mueller]

Ditto for Wande Torres, in his case with Estrellas Orientales: 

 

[Jim Goulart]

Via the Mudcats:

Mudcats Well Represented on Carolina League Postseason All-Star Team

ZEBULON, N.C. - Minor League Baseball and the Carolina League announced the 2025 postseason awards and All-Star Team on Tuesday, with the Carolina Mudcats well represented as Eric Bitonti, Luis Pena, Melvin Hernandez and Jesus Made were all selected to the squad following stellar seasons.

Bitonti, a third-round selection of the Milwaukee Brewers in 2023, showcased his power in 2025 as the 19-year-old led the Carolina League with 19 home runs and 77 RBI, playing in 118 games for the Mudcats. 

Pena, ranked as the number two prospect in the Brewers organization by MLB Pipeline, saw action in 71 games for Carolina and hit a team-best .308 with 6 home runs, 52 RBI and 41 stolen bases before earning a promotion to A+ Wisconsin. 

Hernandez dazzled on the mound for the Mudcats, leading the Carolina League in multiple categories including ERA (2.00), innings pitched (121.2), WHIP (0.99) and batting average against (.217). The right-hander also finished second in the league in wins (10) and fifth in strikeouts (97).

Made, MLB Pipeline's number five prospect and the top prospect in the Brewers system, was also named the Carolina League’s Top MLB Prospect and was also selected as the top utility player in the League. The 18-year-old infielder posted a slash line of .267/.354/736 with 4 home runs, 53 RBI and 40 stolen bases in 83 games with the Mudcats before being promoted to A+ Wisconsin and finishing the season with Double-A Biloxi. 

The Mudcats concluded the 2025 season with a 68-60 record, marking their seventh straight winning campaign.

[Jim Goulart]

Gottschall Named Carolina League Athletic Trainer of the Year

ZEBULON, N.C. - The Professional Baseball Athletic Trainers Society announced on Wednesday that Carolina Mudcats athletic trainer Lauren Gottschall was named the Carolina League Athletic Trainer of the Year. 

Gottschall, who just completed her first season with the Mudcats was previously the athletic trainer for the Fort Wayne TinCaps (A+ San Diego) in 2023 and 2024 before joining the Milwaukee Brewers organization this season. 
 
“This final season for the Carolina Mudcats has been an incredible experience. I am deeply grateful to the staff and players for welcoming me into the organization and making this year so memorable. To be recognized with this award is truly an honor and a meaningful way to close out the season.” Gottschall said.
 
After being recognized by her peers as the Carolina League Athletic Trainer of the Year, Gottschall is eligible to be selected Minor League Athletic Trainer of the Year which will be voted on at the 2025 MLB winter meetings in Orlando, Florida.