Brewers Video
A year ago, the Brewers were in need of help at third base down on the farm. In the 2023 farm system preview for that position, although we noted some decent options from other positions who moved to third. A year later, the Brewers are in a very different world. Now, Tyler Black and Brock Wilken give the Brewers two third basemen in the Top 10 of both the MLB Pipeline and Brewer Fanatic prospect lists for the team. Let’s see the case each makes to handle the hot corner.
The Case For Tyler Black
Tyler Black had a massive breakout in 2023, posted a .284/.417/.513 line with 25 doubles, 12 triples, and 18 home runs, while adding 55 steals. Black’s power took a big step up, with his .229 isolated power being a roughly 50-percent increase over his 2022 ISO of .143. Black’s development into a dynamic threat, beyond just a pure hitter who held down third base, is arguably the most pleasant surprise of the 2023 season in the minor-league system. His offensive profile looks to be a lot like that of Jimmy Rollins, only with better OBP skills to compensate for a little less power.
Black also has been solid defensively at third and second, with the only knock on him being arm strength per MLB Pipeline, while Brewer Fanatic’s report seemed harsher. He also saw time in the outfield, but that is not likely, with Sal Frelick, Jackson Chourio, Garrett Mitchell, and Joey Wiemer having reached Milwaukee. Still, his offensive profile is one that would be extremely solid at third base (or any position), and he is at No. 51 in the MLB Pipeline Top 100, one of four Brewers farmhands to reach that list.
One other strong factor in Black’s favor is his proximity to the MLB level. He took things up a slight step after a late-season promotion to Nashville, and he seems to have nothing left to prove in the minors. In essence, he is a plug-and-play option at the hot corner for 2024, and teams could do far worse. Failing that, he could be an option for the Crew at first base (although he's a little short for the position, at 5 feet, 10 inches) or designated hitter.
The Case For Brock Wilken
With Wilken, his case starts with his raw power--71 homers over three years in college, and five more in the two months of minor-league play in 2023. Wilken can hit the ball out of the park, and has drawn more than his fair share of walks. He proved capable of stealing bases, too, and legged out four triples, so he is not a liability on the basepaths when he doesn’t get a true outcome. Wilken’s defense is also solid, if not spectacular, at the hot corner, and he proved capable.
That said, he does have some aspects of his game that could use work. His strikeout rate went higher when he got to Double-A Biloxi, and he did see it climb during the sophomore year of his college career. On defense, there is some question about whether he has the range to handle third base. Granted, having the likes of Willy Adames and Brice Turang could help the team mask Wilken’s deficiencies there, and Andruw Monasterio is an option as a defensive replacement. Should Juan Báez win the shortstop of the future showdown as a bat-first option at the position, Wilken’s lack of range at third base could be an issue.
Then again, the Crew is looking for a long-term option at first base as well, and Wilken could be a defensive asset there. The bat will play at either of the corner infield positions (or the corner outfield in a pinch), and Wilken’s bat would be an asset at DH as well.
Breakdown
Assuming both players develop, this is one position battle that is a can't-lose situation for the Crew. No matter who comes out on top, the other is likely to see a lot of time at first base, designated hitter, both, or possibly even another position. A more painful, but still positive scenario could see the Brewers deal one of them to close out a deadline deal (the Matt LaPorta-for-CC Sabathia scenario comes to mind).
That said, as of right now, both Black and Wilken are likely to be significant contributors to the Brewers in the near future. The “loser” of this competition will still provide a lot of value to the team, whether he ends up wearing the blue and gold in Milwaukee or some other team’s jersey.
Who you got? Would you move either player in a trade, or take them away from the position, or do you prefer to see them play their way into or out of opportunities?
Interested in learning more about the Milwaukee Brewers' top prospects? Check out our comprehensive top prospects list that includes up-to-date stats, articles and videos about every prospect, scouting reports, and more!
View Brewers Top Prospects
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