Brewers Select Mike Boeve (3B) #54 Overall

Another power bat in the hot corner, Mike Boeve had an incredible third year with the University of Nebraska-Omaha, Boeve slashing .401/.512/.563 for an OPS of 1.075. In addition to hitting for average, his plate discipline is excellent, boasting 32 walks while striking out just nine times in 211 plate appearances.

Unlike fellow draftee Brock Wilkens, Boeve lacks in power, hitting just four home runs and 15 doubles, but their skillsets seem to complement each other, and Boeve might be a much-needed consistent leadoff hitter. His incredible hitting talent is undoubtedly a bright spot in the future of the Brewer organization if things work out.

The draft slot associated with the 54th pick is $1,546,100.

Baseball America's scouting report, where he ranked 61st overall.

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Boeve impressed during the 2023 season thanks to his pure bat-to-ball skills—which are the standout tool in the Nebraska-Omaha infielder’s profile. Boeve hit .401/.512/.563 and struck out just nine times in 211 plate appearances; good for just a 4.3% strikeout rate. He also added four home runs, 15 doubles and went 6-for-6 in stolen bases. While the Summit League is competitive, scouts questioned how a dominant mid-major bat would translate to SEC arms or pro pitching, as the level of competition can be a bit more inconsistent. He managed to put some of those questions to rest after a strong turn in the Cape Cod League, where he managed an 83% contact rate and walked nearly as often as he struck out. While Boeve hasn’t shown much power, he does have a solid, 6-foot-3, 200-pound frame. At the moment he doesn’t lift the ball much, instead utilizing a level bat path and driving the ball into the gaps while using the entire field. Defensively, Boeve projects to be a solid-average third baseman with continued repetition and pro development. He doesn’t possess the quickest first step but has a reliable glove and enough arm strength to be a serviceable defender with the ability to contribute at first base and the corner outfield as well.

MLB.com's scouting report, where he ranked 81st overall.

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The son of longtime baseball coach Jim Boeve, who resuscitated the program at NAIA Hastings (Neb.), Mike has gone from a lightly regarded recruit to one of the best contact hitters in the college class. He struck out just nine times in 47 games this spring and has a long track record of producing, including stints in the wood-bat Northwoods and Cape Cod leagues the last two summers. He's expected to become the highest pick in Nebraska-Omaha history, passing two-time All-Star Bruce Benedict (fifth round, 1976). 

Boeve has a quick, compact left-handed stroke, tremendous feel for the barrel and a disciplined approach. He rarely swings and misses and concentrates on getting on base. He doesn't do much damage, however, because he has just average raw power and doesn't tap into it, as his swing lacks extension and he generates a lot of groundball contact and mediocre exit velocities. 

Boeve's lack of pop puts his profile in question because he has limited defensive options. He has worked hard to get better at third base, where he's adequate and perhaps could become average, though his arm isn't particularly strong. His below-average speed leaves first base and left field as his only other possibilities.