2024 Prospect Previews: Eric Bitonti

The Brewers drafted left-handed hitting prep shortstop Eric Bitonti with the 87th overall pick in the 2023 draft. Bitonti was the 54th-ranked player in the class, per the Consensus Board. What can Brewers fans expect from him in 2024? Let’s dig in.

The Brewers followed up a number of underslot picks in the first few rounds of the draft (Brock Wilken, Josh Knoth, Mike Boeve) with one of the biggest bombshells outside Day One, when they selected Bitonti in the third round.

The SoCal native and former Oregon commit stands out in a crowd. At 6-foot-5 and 230 pounds, he is an atypical size for an up-the-middle infielder. Like Twins draftee Brandon Winokur, Bitonti raised his stock prior to draft weekend with a standout Draft Combine. He had the second farthest hit batted ball of batting practice on day two (419 feet), hit three batting practice pitches north of 105 mph, and clocked an infield throw north of 92 mph. Tools-wise, it was a loud performance. 

Entering the draft, the scouting reports on Bitonti focused on outstanding tools, rather than uneven performances in his final year of prep baseball. Just 17 years old on draft day, Bitonti was one of the younger prospects in the class (along with Knoth), and possessed an unusual trio of traits in his raw power, athleticism, and sheer size. Bitonti already has easy plus raw power. It’s backed up by surprisingly fluid, athletic movements in the infield for someone so tall. Bitonti will likely make the move to third base, but a plus arm will ease that transition and he should find a comfortable home there. His overall offensive ceiling will be defined by his hit tool. As is typical for a player so tall, his swing can be long and susceptible to velocity, particularly at the top of the zone. Still, age and time are on his side as he works to close any holes in his swing. 

After the end of the second round, I was convinced Bitonti wasn’t going to sign. The Brewers, however, had other plans. They saved a cumulative $1,711,300 on the Wilken, Knoth, and Boeve picks, which they began to put to use on Bitonti, inking him to a $1,750,000 deal, almost $954,000 over the slot allotment. These are the kind of calculated risks you want your organization taking in the draft, particularly in one with a historically loaded prep class.

Bitonti did get a taste of professional baseball in 2023, albeit a brief one. In 12 games, Bitonti managed a .179/.333/.410 line, with 2 home runs, 9 walks, and 15 strikeouts. There are no meaningful conclusions to draw from such a sample, but I do think it serves as a blueprint for what to expect in 2024.

You’ll see big power, lots of strikeouts, and the continuation of improved plate discipline that could be a real offensive difference maker for Bitonti in his pro career. The version of Bitonti that puts it all together is an extremely scary prospect, and no great draft class should go without a prospect or two with whom the range of outcomes is similarly enormous. Bitonti will undoubtedly be a fun follow in 2024, so pay attention.

What did you think of the Eric Bitonti pick for the Brewers? Were you a fan of how flexibly the team used their bonus pool? Weigh in with a comment below.

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