Braylon Payne Headlines Brewers Prospects Going To Arizona Fall League

[Steve Drumwright]

 

When it comes to the Arizona Fall League, there is a mix of players who teams want to see perform against other top prospects and others who need extra reps after injuries took away innings or at-bats during the season.

The Milwaukee Brewers are sending seven players to the Arizona Fall League, led by center fielder Braylon Payne, Brewer Fanatic's No. 4 prospect. Payne, the Brewers' first-round draft pick in 2024 who just turned 20 a month ago, is the only member of our Top 20 heading to the AFL. Others who will participate in the showcase are corner infielder Eric Bitonti, catcher Matt Wood, left-hander Jose Meneses and right-handers Ryan Birchard, Miqueas Mercedes and Josh Quezada. They will play for the Scottsdale Scorpions.

Payne has had a breakout season in 2026. He spent the first five-plus months of the season with the High-A Wisconsin Timber Rattlers, then spent the final month at Double-A Biloxi. Combined, he put up a .277/.358/.552 slash line with 28 homers, 67 RBIs and 25 RBIs in 102 games.

Bitonti, the Brewers' third-round draft choice in 2023, posted a .262/.378/.507 slash line with 25 homers and 93 RBIs with 24 stolen bases in 117 games, 111 with Wisconsin and six with Biloxi.

 

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[Playing Catch]

That's a fun list. I have to think this is a huge opportunity for Wood to really put himself in line for a 40-man spot depending on what they decide to do with Contreras. Meanwhile with continued performance, Payne could really rocket to the top of off-season prospect lists if he can maintain any discipline in the zone.

Payne looks a lot like 2026 Garrett Mitchell. The vestiges of the flat bat-path he was drafted with remain, but he is so short and stiff to the ball from the left side, with the similar 5-tool frame. He's just so exciting as a prospect to dream on.