There was no replicating 2023. I think that set many people up for disappointment with this draft.
I'm a little surprised that so many posters are SO disappointed by the Payne pick. It was a surprise pick, sure. The consensus boards had him in the #50-#100 range, but we see high schoolers in every draft that get first round money later on. What does it matter where he was picked? And considering his age and athleticism? I mean based on the Brewers success lately, if he's dominating AZ like Adamczewski did this year? I dunno, I just have a lot of faith in this organization to pick good players. In addition, we don't know what the bonus demands of the other players were. Many players insist on signing for slot. If the Brewers were determined to stay under the slot value, then the team is looking at a different set of players, where perhaps Payne is "ranked" the highest.
The strategy bit them a little when Levonas didn't sign, but if he does, they don't sign 4 or 5 other guys. So they got quantity over quality. Never a bad thing when drafting arms.