Evaluating the Milwaukee Brewers' 2019 MLB Draft: Is There Still Hope for Success?

If the 2018 Brewers draft is, in hindsight, an almost unqualified success, then the 2019 draft is… well, the opposite—for now. Just as the 2018 draft’s final chapter has yet to be written, however, the 2019 draft’s story can certainly change. Let's consider where things stand right now.

Best Pick: RHP Taylor Floyd
Floyd was selected in the 10th round of the 2019 draft, and seems to have topped out as a Double-A pitcher. Floyd hasn’t stagnated in the Brewers organization, though, because in 2023, the club sent him to the Minnesota Twins for a guy named Trevor Megill.

Megill broke out for Milwaukee that summer and has been their closer more often than not since the start of 2024, when he filled in for an injured Devin Williams. With 75 saves over that span and a gaudy 24.8 K-BB% this season, Megill is likely to fetch a decent return when the time comes for a trade, and Abner Uribe can take over as the Brewers’ late-inning specialist.

Floyd, though, has scuffled at the Double-A level for Minnesota, Seattle, and Cincinnati. This is the type of deal that helps the Brewers make postseason appearances. It turned a pick who never had much chance to reach the big leagues into a key contributor on multiple division-winning teams.

Honorable Mention: SS David Hamilton
Hamilton helped Milwaukee early on, when he was part of a package that convinced Boston to take on the contract of Jackie Bradley Jr. and send Hunter Renfroe to the Brewers. A year later, the Brewers dealt Renfroe and landed some relievers, including Elvis Peguero, who was a serviceable part of the team's bullpen for multiple seasons.

That was before Hamilton came back to Milwaukee as part of the deal that added Shane Drohan and Kyle Harrison to the Crew’s pitching staff. He’s been a solid lineup extender and disruptive baserunner for the 2026 Brewers, and he has a few years of team control left, so it remains to be seen what happens. Methodologically, we probably shouldn't count the value he creates from now on as part of the value of selecting him. On the other hand, knowing the player well enough to have picked him and having insight on his makeup surely helped the front office feel confident bringing him back.

One That Got Away: LHP Antoine Kelly
Kelly had some injury struggles, but lately, he looks to have revived his career as a possible left-handed relief option, which was his floor when the Brewers picked him in the second round. The team dealt Kelly along with utility player Mark Mathias, and got Matt Bush in return.

Bush was lit up more often than not while with the Brewers, and eventually was released in July 2023 after he posted a 5.94 ERA in 37 appearances for them. That's definitely a trade the Brewers wouldn’t repeat if they had the chance for a do-over.

Still Potentially Helpful: C Darrien Miller
Miller seems like he’s been around forever, but he’s only 25, and he’s in the midst of an offensive breakout. He’s always had OBP skills, both in drawing walks and getting plunked. His left-handed bat has also flashed some power.

After tearing up Double-A Biloxi, Miller was promoted to Triple-A Nashville, where he’s not fallen off much. He may be overshadowed by prospects like Jeferson Quero and Marco Dinges, but Miller’s a competent lineup extender, and he’s someone the Brewers have not minded keeping around. His ceiling is extraordinarily low, but he could be a useful backup backstop if the need arises.

Overall Grade: D+
The big issue with this draft is whom the Brewers didn’t pick. In the first round, they could have selected infielder Michael Busch (now with the Cubs) or shortstop Gunnar Henderson (Orioles) instead of pitcher Ethan Small. After Kelly in the second round, Jared Triolo and Michael Harris II were selected and delivered reasonably well.

That said, the draft grade could still go up some. The potential trade returns for Megill and Hamilton could alter how this draft shakes out. Miller, if he reaches the majors and serves as a backup/platoon mate to Quero, could also bump the grade higher. But this is one draft with which the Brewers can only wonder what might have been, with different selections.

Check out our 2026 MLB Draft tracker, with scouting reports, player information, total pool allotments, and much more!