Underrated Brewers Prospects of 2024: Second Base, Third Base, and Shortstop

Put it this way – even after the Crew dealt Cam Devanney and Robert Moore over the offseason, the team still has a lot of prospects who may not make MLB Pipeline’s Top 30 or Brewer Fanatic’s Top 20, but who can be solid MLB performers at these positions, some of whom have sneaky upside.

Second Base

Felix Valerio (Double-A Biloxi)
.224/.286/.345 with ten doubles, six home runs, 31 RBI, 19 walks, 54 strikeouts in 264 at-bats

Valerio came to the Brewers in a 2018-2019 offseason trade with the Mets. He was decent in 2022, but the offense dropped off a cliff in 2023. The good news? He only struck out in 20.4% of hit at-bats and delivered extra-base power. But his walk rate also dropped from 2022 and 2021. Was it the ball used early in the season that caused struggles for a lot of hitters? Valerio is still very young – he will be 23 in 2024, but 2024 is make-or-break for him.

Jose Acosta (Advanced-A Wisconsin)
.225/.282/.419 with ten doubles, five home runs, 19 RBI, ten walks, 45 strikeouts in 160 at-bats

The switch-hitting Acosta was an under-the-radar acquisition in 2022 with an interesting power bat. The big issue for him has been hitting for average, and his OBP skills declined slightly with Wisconsin in 2023, and he struggled to get consistent playing time. In addition to second base, he saw action at third base, first base, and corner outfield spots.

Third Base

Patrick Dorrian (Triple-A Nashville)
.238/.312/.466 with 18 doubles, 21 home runs, 65 RBI, 34 walks, 127 strikeouts in 367 at-bats

While much of his mark was made in the middle infield for the Sounds in 2023, Dorrian was primarily a third baseman in previous years. He has a solid left-handed power bat, and his defense is solid. The strikeout rate is a concern, but Dorrian’s development could be interesting.

Zavier Warren (Double-A Biloxi)
.236/.319/.406 with 15 doubles, 15 home runs, 63 RBI, 45 walks and 86 strikeouts in 377 at-bats

While primarily playing first base, Warren still saw significant action at third base in 2023. The switch-hitter’s bat flashes a lot of power, and he’s been able to draw walks throughout his pro career, and he’s pushed his strikeout rate down by about 1% each year. While he’s primarily been a corner infielder professionally, he saw action at catcher in 2021 and has occasionally dabbled at the middle infield positions.

Eduardo Garcia (Advanced-A Wisconsin)
.208/.280/.326 with 13 doubles, four home runs, 29 RBI, 26 walks and 106 strikeouts in 298 at-bats

Garcia had been a somewhat exciting shortstop prospect in 2022, but in 2023, he took a step back after primarily handling third base due to the Brewers drafting Eric Brown Jr. and a host of other shortstops. His defense has never been a question; it’s been his bat that has held him back. On an optimistic note, his walk and strikeout rates improved from 2022 despite the drop in OPS.

Demetrio Nadal (Foreign Rookie DSL Brewers 2)
.342/.478/.525 with six doubles, two home runs, 20 RBI, 24 walks, 19 strikeouts in 120 at-bats

Nadal broke out big time in his second year in the DSL. While primarily playing third base, he also saw action in the outfield, at second base, and at shortstop. In addition to his defensive versatility, he showcased a dynamic bat, hitting for average and displaying excellent plate discipline. On the basepaths, he also demonstrated real speed (five triples and 33 stolen bases).

Shortstop

Freddy Zamora (Double-A Biloxi)
.255/.352/.361 with 17 doubles, seven home runs, 51 RBI, 53 walks, 89 strikeouts in 377 at-bats

Zamora was selected in the second round of the abbreviated 2020 June draft and provided a lot of hope in 2021. His injury-riddled 2022 allowed Cam Devanney to stage a comeback, but now Devanney is with the Royals. In 2023, he initially struggled due to the experimental ball but emerged with an excellent offensive season. In addition to some pop in his bat, he stole 17 bases.

Ethan Murray (Double-A Biloxi)
.256/.359/.370 with 16 doubles, six home runs, 48 RBI, 53 walks, 93 strikeouts in 351 at-bats

Murray played a lot at shortstop and second base, spending more time in the former position. For a player whose big calling card has been defense, Murray had an offensive breakout in Biloxi, posting his highest OPS at the professional level and improving his walk rate over 2022. His numbers are almost identical to Zamora’s, giving the Crew options.

Overview
These players don’t show up very high – if at all – on top prospects lists. Given their harsh hot-stove economic realities exacerbated by the Bally Sports situation, as seen by Craig Counsell’s departure and the Corbin Burnes trade, the Crew may need to keep finding nuggets like Monasterio to stay competitive.

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!