Evaluating the 2022 Brewers Draft Class: A Spectacular Pick, a Hidden Gem, One They Want Back

[Harold Hutchison]

Image courtesy of Wendell Cruz-Imagn Images

The 2022 MLB draft is a major success for the Milwaukee Brewers because of one player, but this draft could wind up being even more productive, despite the team missing on its first-round pick and a disastrous trade.

How did this happen? Let’s take a look.

The Spectacular Pick: RHP Jacob Misiorowski
Without a doubt, the Brewers' second-round pick in 2022 is the jewel of their class—and perhaps of any class. At this point, WWE superstar and “Real World” alum Mike “The Miz” Mizanin probably should accept the fact that he’s destined for second billing under his own sobriquet. Misiorowski is an international sensation, and arguably the best pitcher in baseball. That the Brewers acquired and developed him without having to stumble into a first overall pick (the way the division-rival Pirates had to do to land Paul Skenes) makes the return on investment awesome.

The Hidden Gem: 3B/1B Luke Adams
It cost $282,500 for the Brewers to land 12th-round draft pick Luke Adams straight out of Hinsdale Central High School in Illinois. Right now, it looks like money well spent. Adams has shown a power bat and superb OBP skills all the way up the ladder, including being willing to be plunked for the team’s sake. He’s competent at both corner infield positions and could handle the corner outfield spots in a pinch. He's also a threat on the basepaths.

Already In The Majors: LHP Brian Fitzpatrick
Before he was sidelined until mid-2027 with Tommy John surgery, Brian Fitzpatrick was looking like a reliable multi-inning reliever. While he will miss time, he could make this draft look better when he does return to the mound for the Brewers, funky arm action and all.

One They’d Like Back (Traded): IF Robert Moore
Moore was looking like a solid utility infielder even before the Brewers dealt him and outfield prospect Hendry Mendez for infielder Oliver Dunn. Dunn was a disaster for the Brewers, while Mendez has developed into a decent corner outfield prospect. Moore would be a fine option for middle-infield depth.

One Pick That Didn't Pan Out: UT Eric Brown
Brown couldn’t stay healthy, and he’s struggled in the upper minors. The Brewers should have dealt him at the 2024 deadline, when it was clear Jesus Made and Luis Pena were special prospects. Worse, the Brewers could have picked either Daulton Rushing or Sal Stewart with this pick, giving them more pop in their lineup.

Still Percolating (Part One): C Matthew Wood
Jeferson Quero and Marco Dinges have drawn attention for their defense and power bat, respectively, but Wood has been a solid option while being under the radar; his breakout 2026 season may earn him a bit more attention.

Still Percolating (Part Two): IF/OF Dylan O’Rae
O’Rae’s speed has generated a lot of buzz, but his low-key OBP skills, solid bat-to-ball capability and defensive versatility could make him a bench asset for the Brewers. The question is whether he can develop power, as Luis Lara did.

Still Percolating (Part Three): RHP Will Rudy
Rudy started off looking like a solid pitching prospect, but has missed 2025 and 2026 with injuries. That said, he still has time to turn things around – other Brewers pitchers have done so before.

Overall Grade: A-
A draft that lands a generational talent is a major win, but other prospects who have flown under the radar could still turn this into a very productive draft overall. This isn’t a question of whether the draft is a success; it’s how huge of a success it can turn out to be.

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What do you think about the 2022 draft? Let us know in the comments below!

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[nathanj42]

To be fair to EBJ, Miz as a 2nd rounder got the higher bonus

[Harold Hutchison]

1 hour ago, nathanj42 said:

To be fair to EBJ, Miz as a 2nd rounder got the higher bonus

True, but for another $50K, the Brewers would have had Sal Stewart at the hot corner, and Stewart's looking pretty good at this point.

[Jim French Stepstool]

Good piece. But I think it's still up in the air as to whether Adams is a competent 3B. It's certainly possible but there are some throwing issues that need to be worked out. But AFA that particular position is concerned I think he & Bitonti look more cromulent than Fischer these days.

[Harold Hutchison]

52 minutes ago, Jim French Stepstool said:

Good piece. But I think it's still up in the air as to whether Adams is a competent 3B. It's certainly possible but there are some throwing issues that need to be worked out. But AFA that particular position is concerned I think he & Bitonti look more cromulent than Fischer these days.

It's been a 60-40 split between first and third for Adams when he's on the field. Based on that, I'd venture to say he's not a terrible option defensively. Certainly no worse that Andrew Vaughn. who's not been too bad across 14 games (6 starts) for the Brewers at the hot corner.

To me, the big question is whether to hold Vaughn for at least the first part of 2027 - my guess is a year removed from the hamate injury, his power will be back to normal, and if his approach remains the same... he could put together a monster first half, and the Brewers could flip him around June for a few prospects.

[Jim French Stepstool]

5 hours ago, Harold Hutchison said:

It's been a 60-40 split between first and third for Adams when he's on the field. Based on that, I'd venture to say he's not a terrible option defensively. Certainly no worse that Andrew Vaughn. who's not been too bad across 14 games (6 starts) for the Brewers at the hot corner.

To me, the big question is whether to hold Vaughn for at least the first part of 2027 - my guess is a year removed from the hamate injury, his power will be back to normal, and if his approach remains the same... he could put together a monster first half, and the Brewers could flip him around June for a few prospects.

IMO Adams needs to be more reliable at 3B to be a reg or semi-reg there. Yes, I would say he's better there than Vaughn----I think the team has been extremely fortunate in the innings he's been at third & it finally bit them a little on Sunday.

I agree that Vaughn could be more of a power bat next year further removed from the hamate. But if he stays, is productive & the team is once again contending I don't see them moving him at the deadline, whether there's a replacement in the wings or not.