Spencer Michaelis

Image courtesy of © Dave Kallmann / Milwaukee Journal Sentinel / USA TODAY NETWORK via Imagn Images #6 Logan Henderson (Nashville Sounds, Milwaukee Brewers) Henderson impressed in his limited major-league opportunities with a 1.78 ERA and 33 strikeouts in his first five starts, spanning 25 ⅓ innings. He showed why he has been one of the more interesting pitching prospects in the system for a while now. PA H 2B 3B HR OPS wRC+ wOBA K% BB% SwStr% Whiff% PULL% CENT% OPPO% LD% GB% FB% IFFB% SB CS SB% 90th EV 283 65 17 1 10 .817 115 .364 13.8% 9.9% 10.5% 22.6% 43.5% 22.0% 34.4% 25.5% 36.5% 38.0% 24.1% 2 0 100% 102.8 What to Like Logan Henderson’s fastball and changeup form the foundation of his arsenal, and both pitches performed very well for him against big-league batters. The changeup, in particular, stands out as a plus offering, featuring strong velocity separation from the fastball, good fade, and solid depth. He also tunnels it very well with his fastball. His four-seam fastball also performs better than the 92-95 MPH readings on the radar gun might suggest, due to Henderson’s ability to generate an excellent vertical approach angle and strong carry through the zone, from a low release height, helping him miss bats at a higher rate than expected. Henderson is also a bulldog on the mound. He competes with whatever he has that day and isn’t afraid to show a little emotion after recording a big out. He has the type of mentality that helps a pitcher work around some of the potential downfalls discussed below. The combination of command, mentality, and two high-quality pitches gives Henderson a strong baseline as a major-league arm. Even without further development in his arsenal, the current profile suggests a reliable floor in a relief role. His ability to locate his best pitches and generate swing-and-miss results should allow him to contribute at the big-league level in some capacity for a long time. It wouldn’t be a shock to see the velocity tick up a bit in a shorter role, either. What to Work On The biggest question surrounding Henderson is the lack of a consistent third pitch. He currently does not have a reliable offering that moves glove-side or provides a different look from his fastball and changeup combination. While the two-pitch mix has worked in short outings and early appearances, it may be more difficult to sustain success as a starting pitcher once opposing lineups see him multiple times. He has experimented with both a slider and a cutter, with the cutter appearing more likely to develop into a usable pitch. His natural pronating arm action makes it difficult for him to consistently create the shape needed for a traditional breaking ball, which has limited the effectiveness of his slider. Continued refinement of the cutter or the development of any glove-side moving pitch would significantly strengthen his starting profile. On that note, there may have been a breakthrough this spring. Henderson has been working to bring back a curveball that he threw in college, and he debuted it in his first spring outing. The shape and the spin of the pitch grade out as a perfectly solid third pitch, and it’s a much bigger shape than any other breaking ball he has thrown in the past. Without that additional pitch, his overall ceiling as a starter remains somewhat limited. The current arsenal can succeed, but expanding his pitch mix would improve his ability to handle lineups multiple times and raise his long-term upside. The curveball could be the pitch that does this, but it’s too soon to say for sure. What’s Next His early major-league success has raised expectations, but his long-term value will depend on how his repertoire develops over the next season. If a consistent third pitch emerges, Henderson has the tools to settle into a role as a mid-to-back-end starter, right out of camp in 2026. Without it, his strong fastball and changeup combination still provide a clear path to a long-term role in a major-league bullpen, where his pitch mix could play up in shorter outings. What are your thoughts on Henderson? What are you hoping to see from him in 2026? Let us know in the comments! View full article

Image courtesy of © Rick Scuteri-Imagn Images #7 Jeferson Quero (Nashville Sounds) Jeferson Quero’s return to game action in 2025 was an important step after a difficult bout with injuries. He was close to returning from a torn labrum early in the year, before a hamstring issue in spring training delayed his season. Once he got back on the field, he showed encouraging signs, especially during his rehab assignment in the Complex League, where he consistently produced hard contact and flashed the offensive impact that made him one of the organization’s top prospects before the injury. PA H 2B 3B HR OPS wRC+ wOBA K% BB% SwStr% Whiff% PULL% CENT% OPPO% LD% GB% FB% IFFB% SB CS SB% 90th EV 283 65 17 1 10 .817 115 .364 13.8% 9.9% 10.5% 22.6% 43.5% 22.0% 34.4% 25.5% 36.5% 38.0% 24.1% 2 0 100% 102.8 What to Like Power has always been part of Quero’s profile, and there were signs that it was starting to return as the season went on. As a 20-year-old in 2023, he posted a 105.2 MPH 90th-percentile exit velocity, a mark that was well above average for his age and strong even by major-league standards. That power did not show up right away after his return to Triple-A, where he finished with a slightly below-average 102.8 MPH EV90. Still, the trend improved later in the season, with several home runs leaving the bat at 107+ MPH and a max exit velocity of 109.5 MPH. Those flashes suggest the raw power should still be there as he gets further removed from surgery, though it will be something to monitor. Quero also brings strong bat-to-ball ability. He makes consistent contact. He can put the ball in play against various pitch types, with some authority. That contact skill gives him a solid offensive foundation and the potential for an average hit tool. If both the hit and power tools mature as hoped, he has the potential to be a productive big-league hitter at a premium position. Defensively, Quero still shows many of the traits that made him highly regarded before the injury. His receiving and blocking have largely returned to form—or even improved—and he continues to show strong instincts behind the plate. He calls a good game, shows good awareness, and manages a pitching staff at a very high level. What to Work On The biggest offensive area for improvement is his swing decisions and overall plate discipline. While his bat-to-ball skills allow him to make a lot of contact, his pitch selection can be inconsistent. Improving his approach and becoming more selective in the strike zone would help him maximize his power and overall offensive production. Defensively, the biggest question is his throwing arm. Before the injury, Quero’s arm was considered a major strength, with elite pop times that could come in below 1.8 seconds. That level of arm strength has not yet returned, and his throwing performance last year reflected a noticeable drop. There's still room for improvement, but a full return to his previous level is uncertain. If the arm doesn't return to above-average levels, it could limit his overall defensive value and affect his ability to control the running game. His receiving, blocking, and game-calling still provide a strong defensive base, but continued progress with his throwing will be important in determining whether he profiles as a full-time starter. Staying healthy and handling a full season’s workload will also be important after dealing with multiple injuries over the past two years. What’s Next Quero is expected to begin the 2026 season back at Triple-A Nashville due to the Brewers’ current catching situation. The additions of Reese McGuire and Gary Sánchez provide major-league depth and give the organization time to let Quero continue developing. Even so, he remains a big part of the organization’s long-term plans and could reach Milwaukee in the near future, and he notably has a very big fan in Pat Murphy. “This might be a really special story, because I think he’s a special player,” Murphy said. He's been consistent in his effusiveness about Quero going back to his first spring training as the manager, in 2024. Quero's development will focus on improving plate discipline, rebuilding consistent power production, and strengthening his arm. If his health holds and his tools continue trending in the right direction, he still has the potential to become a regular contributor at the major-league level. A strong start to the season could speed his matriculation to the majors, but the questions will be less about stats and more about whether his throwing arm and his approach are better this year. What are your thoughts on Quero? What are you hoping to see from him in 2026? Let us know in the comments! View full article

Yeah, I get what you're saying. I think it's a worthwhile distinction personally. For young players, I think it's pretty important to note who can hit the ball hard but isn't necessarily showing power in games yet. It can be a sign of things to come. I mean, even in MLB, Turang's raw power took a big step forward early in 2025, swinging faster, hitting the ball much harder than before, and Yelich had talked about how Turang always hit a bunch of impressive home runs in BP, but he only had 6 homers heading into August because most of it was on the ground. Then he figured out his timing and how to catch the ball out in front more often in games, and the game power finally showed up at the end of the year.

Raw power is usually associated with the ability to hit the ball far in BP, or just the raw ability to hit the ball hard in general, but maybe not at ideal launch angles in games. Game power is mostly referring to their ability to actually get to that power in games. Some hitters can maximize their in-game power by hitting at really ideal launch angles and pulling the ball in the air a lot, despite mediocre raw power numbers. Some do the opposite and hit the ball hard enough to be huge home run guys, but it's rarely in the air, thus rarely accessing it in games. So that's why a lot of people separate those into two separate categories.

Image courtesy of © Dave Kallmann / USA TODAY NETWORK via Imagn Images #8 Andrew Fischer (Wisconsin Timber Rattlers) Andrew Fischer entered pro ball after being selected in the first round of the 2025 draft, with some within the Brewers’ scouting team viewing him as the top collegiate hitter in the class. He got 87 plate appearances in High-A and showed some of what he’s capable of. PA H 2B 3B HR OPS wRC+ wOBA K% BB% SwStr% Whiff% PULL% CENT% OPPO% LD% GB% FB% IFFB% SB CS SB% 87 23 5 1 1 .848 141 .401 25.3% 12.6% 14.0% 28.8% 51.9% 25.9% 22.2% 22.6% 24.5% 52.8% 21.4% 8 2 80% What to Like Fischer’s offensive profile is built around a swing designed to create hard contact in the air, particularly to the pull side. That approach was immediately evident during his brief professional debut with the Timber Rattlers, where he pulled the ball 52% of the time and produced a 52% fly-ball rate on balls in play. The swing path is clearly geared toward driving the ball with authority, and the batted-ball profile supports the potential for strong power production. While the early results did not fully display his potential game power, that performance came while Fischer was dealing with a wrist injury that limited his ability to access his raw strength. Wrist issues often affect a hitter’s ability to combine bat speed with barrel accuracy, which likely contributed to the lower-than-expected power output. With improved health, the power should show up in games more consistently. Fischer’s hit tool also stands out. His swing is relatively direct to the baseball, and he shows the ability to drive pitches to his pull side while maintaining enough bat control to make consistent contact. The profile points toward a hitter capable of producing solid offensive numbers through a combination of hard contact and controlled strike-zone management. While the tool may not project as elite, it has a strong foundation to be average or a bit better. An average-or-better hit tool, with power that could be plus, makes for a valuable big-league hitter. Defensively, Fischer’s early work at third base was encouraging. After playing primarily first base during his time at Tennessee, he transitioned to third in his first month of professional baseball. He showed more comfort at the position than initially expected. His movement to his glove side looked natural, and he grew more comfortable handling backhand plays as he gained experience. His arm strength and overall athleticism suggest that he can handle it. What to Work On While Fischer’s offensive approach is designed to generate impact, the swing path introduces some risk that will require monitoring as he advances. His uppercut swing is built to produce lift and pull-side contact, but it may leave him vulnerable in certain areas of the zone. During his time at Tennessee, he showed some holes against those elevated fastballs, particularly when they reached the mid-to-upper-90s. Showing he can handle himself up there will be important against big-league pitching. There is also some risk that the swing path could struggle against offspeed pitches located on the outer half of the plate. Strike zone coverage and adjusting to higher-level sequencing will be key factors in determining how consistently he can produce at the highest levels. Defensively, Fischer remains a work in progress at third base. While the early results were encouraging, his experience at the position is still limited, and that lack of experience does show from time to time. Charging slow rollers and handling plays moving forward remain difficult for him. His footwork and reads in those situations will require continued work. The arm strength, range, and athleticism are already present, but consistency and defensive instincts at the position are still developing. If Fischer doesn't remain at third base, a move to first base would place greater pressure on his offensive production. First base-only profiles typically require significant offensive output to provide value. What’s Next Likely to begin back in High-A, Fischer’s 2026 season will focus on getting to his power in games more often and continuing his defensive development at third base. Assuming full health following his wrist injury, improved exit velocities and increased power production are reasonable expectations. If the game power emerges as projected, his offensive profile could quickly stand out within the system. If both the offensive production and defensive development trend positively, Fischer has the potential to move quickly through the system. With continued progress, a major-league debut as early as 2027 remains a realistic outcome. What are your thoughts on Fischer? What are you hoping to see from him in 2026? Let us know in the comments! View full article

Image courtesy of © Dave Kallmann / USA TODAY NETWORK via Imagn Images #9 Bishop Letson (Wisconsin Timber Rattlers, Biloxi Shuckers) Bishop Letson brings one of the highest-upside pitching profiles in the Brewers’ system, and showed why during his limited time on the mound in 2025. The 11th-round pick from the 2023 draft, signed by area scout Ginger Poulson, delivered dominant results when healthy, showcasing a rare blend of swing-and-miss ability, ground-ball induction, and overall stuff. Although shoulder fatigue limited him to just 41 1/3 innings, his performance during that stretch was extremely impressive. ERA FIP xFIP IP G GS CG ShO K% BB% K-BB% HR/9 SwStr% Whiff% WHIP BABIP LOB% LD% GB% FB% IFFB% HR/FB 2.40 2.59 2.70 41.1 11 9 0 0 30.8% 7.5% 23.3% 0.44 12.6% 28.0% 1.04 0.305 72.8% 14.7% 52.6% 32.6% 9.7% 6.5% What to Like Letson ranked in the 90th percentile across Minor League Baseball in both strikeout rate and ground-ball rate. This combination highlights both his ability to overpower hitters and generate weak contact. His fastball serves as the foundation of the arsenal. While the average velocity sits around 94 MPH, the pitch plays well above its radar gun reading due to elite extension and release characteristics. Letson generates approximately 7.5 feet of extension, helping the fastball to get on hitters quickly and giving it additional perceived velocity. That level of extension compares favorably to some of the most dominant power arms in the game, and it allows the pitch to miss bats consistently while also setting up the rest of his repertoire. The sweeper stands out as another potential plus offering and serves as a key secondary weapon. The pitch averages around 16 inches of glove-side movement and shows consistent shape and command against both right-handed and left-handed hitters. Letson demonstrates confidence in using the pitch in multiple counts and situations, making it a reliable swing-and-miss option, especially against righties. Beyond those two primary pitches, Letson features a deep, well-rounded mix. His sinker and changeup both project as above-average offerings. The sinker generates roughly 17 inches of arm-side run, producing significant movement and helping generate ground-ball contact. The changeup shows similar horizontal movement with roughly 18 inches of run, but adds additional vertical depth, giving it strong deception and effectiveness against opposite-handed hitters. While further separation in movement profiles between the two pitches could enhance their effectiveness, both offerings already provide value within his arsenal. During a stint on the injured list in 2025, Letson also developed a cutter that sits around 90 MPH. The pitch currently grades as average but shows encouraging traits, and given how new it is, it could also develop into an above-average offering. The presence of five usable pitches gives Letson multiple ways to attack hitters and supports a long-term starting profile. In addition to the quality of the arsenal, Letson’s delivery and overall mechanics add to his appeal. He features a fluid, repeatable motion that allows him to generate that big extension and consistent movement profiles across his pitches. What to Work On Health and durability remain the most significant areas to monitor moving forward. Shoulder fatigue limited Letson’s workload in 2025, and building the ability to handle a full-season starter’s workload will be an important step in his development. Establishing consistent availability and maintaining his stuff over longer outings will be key to reaching his ceiling. Command and overall pitch consistency also remain developmental priorities. While his walk numbers were strong in 2025, the underlying command is still developing and may face greater challenges against more advanced hitters. Continued refinement of his control within the strike zone would maximize the effectiveness of his arsenal and improve his ability to work through lineups more than two times. Separating the shape of his sinker and changeup further could also enhance the overall effectiveness of his pitch mix. While both pitches feature strong arm-side movement, adding more vertical differential between them could make each offering more difficult for hitters to recognize. Continued development of his cutter will also be important, as turning that pitch into a reliably average offering would strengthen an already deep arsenal and make him more platoon-proof. What’s Next Letson’s development in 2026 will largely center on health. If he remains healthy, can throw more innings, and builds on the dominance he showed in 2025, while beginning the year in Double-A, he has the potential to jump much higher on not only this list, but also the Top 100 lists nationally. The long-term profile points toward significant upside in a major-league rotation. With a five-pitch mix that includes multiple potential plus offerings and a delivery that features elite extension, the ingredients are present for a high-impact starter if things continue to go well—and if he’s consistently on the mound. What are your thoughts on Letson? What are you hoping to see from him in 2026? Let us know in the comments! View full article

Good lord, what was I doing there... Fixed it. It was a 28.3% whiff rate and 19.2% strikeout rate. I even have the correct numbers up above in the article lol. This is what happens when I finish articles at 1 in the morning apparently.

Image courtesy of © Dan Powers/USA TODAY NETWORK-Wisconsin / USA TODAY NETWORK via Imagn Images #10 Marco Dinges (Carolina Mudcats, Wisconsin Timber Rattlers) The Brewers drafted Marco Dinges in the fourth round of the 2024 Draft, giving him $500,000 to join the organization. Having mostly functioned in a designated hitter role at Florida State, Dinges was announced as a catcher on draft day. He briefly debuted in Carolina at the end of the 2024 season and caught a couple of games there, before returning to Carolina to begin his 2025 season. Dinges performed extremely well in Carolina, and was moved up to High-A Wisconsin by mid-May. PA H 2B 3B HR OPS wRC+ wOBA K% BB% SwStr% Whiff% PULL% CENT% OPPO% LD% GB% FB% IFFB% SB CS SB% 90th EV 317 77 12 2 13 .930 161 .437 19.2% 15.5% 12.5% 28.3% 40.8% 24.4% 34.8% 20.3% 40.6% 39.1% 23.4% 5 1 83% 107.2 What to Like Dinges showed one of the more intriguing offensive profiles in the system in 2025, producing at a high level despite missing time due to multiple soft tissue injuries. Considering the broader context of his development, simply appearing in regular game action was a significant step forward. Just two years prior, he was battling hemophagocytic lymphohistiocytosis (HLH), a life-threatening condition that required extensive treatment. His ability to get back on the field relatively consistently and perform at a high level represented a notable milestone in his progression. When healthy, Dinges demonstrated middle-of-the-order offensive potential. He finished the season with a .930 OPS, 161 wRC+, and .437 wOBA, all strong indicators of impact production. Power is the defining trait of his offensive profile. The swing is built to do damage. Dinges generates some of the best bat speed in the organization, allowing him to drive the ball with authority. His 107.2 MPH 90th-percentile exit velocity reflects legitimate plus raw power, and his 13 home runs in 317 plate appearances highlight his ability to get the power to show up in games. His offensive approach also shows encouraging signs beyond power production. Dinges posted a strong 12.5% walk rate, demonstrating a willingness to work counts and avoid expanding the zone. For a hitter with this level of power and bat speed, maintaining strong plate discipline is an important foundation for future development. While his offensive profile currently leans heavily toward power, the underlying approach gives him a chance to remain productive even during stretches when the power output dips. There's also notable upside tied to his defensive ability. Catchers with this level of offensive potential are difficult to find, and Dinges shows the athletic traits necessary to remain behind the plate. He possesses good overall mobility for the position and flashes advanced defensive ability. His arm strength is a clear asset, grading as plus and giving him the tools needed to control the running game once his mechanics improve. The combination of offensive upside and the potential to stick at catcher significantly raises his overall profile and long-term value. What to Work On Swing-and-miss remains the most significant area of weakness in Dinges’ offensive profile. His aggressive, power-focused swing produces considerable impact, but also leads to empty hacks, as reflected in his 28.3% whiff rate and 19.2% strikeout rate. While he showed some ability to manage strikeouts relative to his power output, improving contact consistency will be important against higher-level pitching. Continued development in understanding when to prioritize contact over maximizing power could stabilize his offensive production, without sacrificing his impact potential. Defensively, Dinges does show plenty of moments where it’s obvious that he’s still relatively inexperienced at the catcher position and will need to refine the technical aspects. Much of his development behind the plate centers on improving consistency in receiving, blocking, and throwing mechanics. His caught-stealing rate of 17.8% reflects a need for improvement in footwork and overall throwing efficiency, rather than arm strength, which is already a clear positive. With cleaner mechanics, his defensive performance could take a meaningful step forward. Improving his durability will also be important. While it’s not a huge deal that Dinges missed some time in 2025, demonstrating the ability to handle the physical demands of regular catching duties over a full season will be an important step in his development. What’s Next Dinges is likely to return to Appleton to begin the 2026 season, where he will have the opportunity to build on his offensive production while continuing to refine his defensive skills. If he remains healthy and shows improvement in his receiving and throwing consistency, a promotion to Double-A Biloxi could come relatively quickly. His long-term outlook will largely depend on the balance between offensive impact and defensive development. If he continues to produce at the plate while making steady progress behind it, he could emerge the top catching prospect in the system. The combination of power production and the potential to remain at catcher gives him a particularly high ceiling, relative to many prospects at the level. What are your thoughts on Dinges? What are you hoping to see from him in 2026? Let us know in the comments! View full article

Image courtesy of © Dave Kallmann / Milwaukee Journal Sentinel / USA TODAY NETWORK via Imagn Images The depth in the Brewers' system means many players outside the top 10 would make the majority of teams' top 10, if not their top 5. Let's take a look at prospects 11-15, as voted on and compiled by the Brewer Fanatic writers. #15 3B Brock Wilken (Biloxi Shuckers) PA H 2B 3B HR OPS wRC+ wOBA K% BB% SwStr% Whiff% PULL% CENT% OPPO% LD% GB% FB% IFFB% SB CS SB% 90th EV 344 61 17 0 18 .876 159 .413 27.0% 20.1% 9.4% 29.1% 55.3% 24.6% 20.1% 21.6% 35.2% 43.2% 22.4% 2 0 100% 106.0 Several challenges marked Wilken's 2024 season. He was hit in the face by a pitch early in the year, which led to lingering vision issues that affected him throughout the season. Off the field, he and his wife also welcomed their first child. That's a positive personal milestone, but at the same time, balancing professional responsibilities with family life added another layer of adjustment during the season. He spent the offseason focused on recovery and on restoring his vision. The early results in 2025 were very encouraging, highlighted by an outstanding May in which he hit nine home runs and posted a 170 wRC+. However, a knee injury suffered while celebrating Biloxi's first-half playoff clinch limited him to just 14 games the rest of the year, and he did not appear fully healthy during that stretch. Even so, his first 280 plate appearances showed clear signs of offensive improvement. Power production remains a defining part of Wilken's profile. Despite playing roughly two-thirds of a full season, he finished third in the Southern League with 18 home runs. His plate discipline was a strength, reflected in a 20% walk rate, though he did allow a notable number of hittable pitches in the zone to pass by, and it's fair to question whether the overall approach is a bit too passive at the moment. Swing-and-miss remains part of the profile, with elevated whiff and strikeout rates contributing to a definite power-over-contact approach. Defensively, Wilken has shown steady progress at third base. While some evaluations have graded him below average at the position, his play has suggested the potential to develop into a serviceable defender. His arm strength is a clear plus, and he has generally handled routine plays well. At times, he has shown some difficulty charging softly hit balls, which seems to be tied more to his reads off the bat than to any athletic limitations. Wilken is expected to begin the 2026 season at Triple-A, and may have reached that level earlier if not for the knee injury. With the Brewers continuing to evaluate long-term options at third base, his performance and defensive development could position him as a major-league option in the near future. #14 1B Blake Burke (Wisconsin Timber Rattlers, Biloxi Shuckers) PA H 2B 3B HR OPS wRC+ wOBA K% BB% SwStr% Whiff% PULL% CENT% OPPO% LD% GB% FB% IFFB% SB CS SB% 90th EV 567 143 27 2 16 .832 139 .393 23.8% 11.5% 12.9% 27.9% 34.3% 26.8% 39.0% 22.7% 49.6% 27.8% 21.4% 15 5 75% 108.8 Drafted in Competitive Balance Round A (just after the first round) of the 2024 draft, Burke got off to an interesting start at High-A in 2025. He posted a 124 wRC+ across 95 games at the level, but the power production did not match the underlying contact quality. Despite consistently hitting the ball hard (highlighted by an elite 108.8-MPH 90th-percentile exit velocity), he produced just five home runs in 408 plate appearances—a shockingly low total, given his size and raw power. That changed following his promotion to Double-A. Burke's ground-ball rate dropped from 52.4% at High-A to 42.4%, and the shift in batted-ball profile quickly translated into more over-the-fence production. He had been making hard contact throughout the season, but a lack of consistent elevation limited his power output earlier in the year. With Biloxi, he hit 11 home runs in just 159 plate appearances. Even during the stretch in High-A when the power had not yet emerged, Burke did show the ability to hit for average and make a reasonable amount of contact, pointing to the potential for an average hit tool paired with above-average or even plus power. Defensively, Burke's glove work at first base has generally translated well from his time at Tennessee. He shows reliable hands and solid instincts around the bag. While his mobility may not stand out, he has shown more athleticism and reaction ability than many players with a similar build. His overall defensive profile is that of an average first baseman, perhaps even a tick better. That athleticism also shows up in subtle ways. Burke is not a traditional speed threat, but he moves well once he gets moving and shows strong instincts on the bases. He was successful on 15 of 20 stolen base attempts and regularly shows awareness, taking extra bases on balls in play. As Josh Naylor showed this year, you can be a good baserunner without being very fast, though you probably won't see Burke go on any stolen-base binges akin to what Naylor did in the second half of last year. As a first base-only prospect, Burke's long-term value will depend heavily on his offensive production. If his late-season power surge at Double-A proves sustainable, his overall profile could rise significantly, with the potential to position himself as a major league option as early as 2026. He's more likely to have an impact on the 2027 season. #13 1B Luke Adams (Biloxi Shuckers) PA H 2B 3B HR OPS wRC+ wOBA K% BB% SwStr% Whiff% PULL% CENT% OPPO% LD% GB% FB% IFFB% SB CS SB% 90th EV 315 54 15 0 11 .853 158 .413 20.3% 16.5% 7.1% 23.5% 52.9% 22.7% 24.4% 25.0% 37.2% 37.8% 40.0% 10 3 77% 104.3 A 12th-round selection in the 2022 draft, Adams is one of the more interesting players in the system, with a profile that continues to produce despite some unusual characteristics. At the plate, Adams presents a unique offensive profile. He has gradually simplified his swing mechanics in pro ball. While some unconventional elements remain, the overall operation is more controlled than earlier in his career, though it still has more moving parts than most players. Despite this, his production has consistently been strong at every level. That production continued at Double-A, where he posted a 159 wRC+ across his first 278 plate appearances. Power production also took a step forward this season, as Adams accessed his in-game power more consistently and posted a .218 isolated slugging at the Double-A level, the highest mark of his career. His plate discipline remains a defining strength, though his extremely passive approach (33% swing-rate) will require adjustment against the highest levels of pitching. Increased aggressiveness on pitches in the strike zone, particularly earlier in counts, could help maximize his offensive impact as he advances. His defensive home has been a notable part of his development. While he has the tools to play third base at an average level, he saw limited time there this season, spending the majority of his time at first base. While his defensive profile suggests he could develop into an above-average defender at first but merely average at third, there's more value (all else equal) in being passable at the hot corner than in being a grade better at the cold one. If he's to stick at the hot corner, continued refinement of his footwork and throwing mechanics will be important, as he's shown a tendency to throw off-balance at times when there is no real need to. Adams appears ready for a move to Triple-A, though roster construction could result in a return to Biloxi to begin the season. He will become Rule 5 Draft-eligible next winter, making this a big year for him to show he'll be ready to contribute at the big-league level in short order. #12 2B Josh Adamczewski (Carolina Mudcats, Wisconsin Timber Rattlers) PA H 2B 3B HR OPS wRC+ wOBA K% BB% SwStr% Whiff% PULL% CENT% OPPO% LD% GB% FB% IFFB% SB CS SB% 308 81 18 5 5 .910 155 .434 17.2% 14.0% 12.1% 26.6% 46.9% 20.8% 32.4% 21.1% 41.7% 37.3% 17.1% 7 1 88% Both Adams and Adamczewski were Day 3 draft picks, with Adamczewski going in the 15th round in 2023. Committed to Ball State at the time, he was a great find by area scout Ginger Poulson. Adamczewski has been an intriguing offensive prospect since entering pro ball, with his swing mechanics standing out early and pointing to a strong overall hitting foundation. He showed some increased swing-and-miss during a brief stint with the Timber Rattlers to close out the 2025 season, as well as during his time in the Arizona Fall League, but his overall approach at the plate remains a clear strength. He consistently makes strong swing decisions and shows the ability to drive the ball to all fields. The underlying power and contact quality have been encouraging. Adamczewski has recorded exit velocities above 110 MPH in the minor leagues and reached 109.6 MPH in the AFL. While he hit just five home runs during the regular season, he added four more in the Fall League, further highlighting his power potential. The offensive profile points to the possibility of an above-average hit tool with power production that could develop into at least the 20-home run range. Defensively, his long-term position remains less certain. He has primarily played second base, though his defense at the position continues to draw mixed evaluations and may not fully align with the defensive expectations typically associated with the Brewers' middle infield. He also saw significant time in left field during the Arizona Fall League, where his above-average speed and athleticism translated well despite limited experience. A move to the outfield remains a realistic long-term possibility. Adamczewski experienced some struggles in a 16-game sample at High-A late in the 2025 season. He's likely to return to Appleton to begin the year, with the opportunity to move quickly to Double-A if his offensive production returns to the level he showed in Carolina. #11 CF Luis Lara (Biloxi Shuckers) PA H 2B 3B HR OPS wRC+ wOBA K% BB% SwStr% Whiff% PULL% CENT% OPPO% LD% GB% FB% IFFB% SB CS SB% 612 132 32 3 2 .712 117 .348 16.2% 14.1% 6.7% 17.3% 38.0% 20.8% 41.1% 22.1% 50.9% 27.0% 20.7% 44 7 86% After slipping down the rankings in 2024, Lara quickly moved back up the board following a strong 2025 season at Double-A, where he was one of the youngest players at the level and did not turn 21 until November. The switch-hitter showed meaningful offensive growth, lowering his whiff rate by roughly three percentage points in a more challenging hitting environment while also increasing his walk rate by nearly six percentage points. Lara's power production remained limited, with just two home runs, and he's listed at 5-foot-8, so it's never likely to be a plus tool for him. However, he still demonstrated the ability to impact the baseball. He recorded multiple exit velocities of 110 MPH, suggesting more underlying strength than the traditional power numbers indicate. Speed has long been a key part of his profile, and he took another step forward in that area in 2025, posting plus-plus run times. Improved instincts and better jumps on the bases helped him convert that speed into production, as he went 44-for-51 on stolen base attempts. His 86% success rate represented a clear improvement over the 75% and 76% marks he posted in 2023 and 2024. While the offensive development was encouraging, Lara's defense remained the most impactful part of his game and reached another level in 2025. He earned a Minor League Gold Glove, a result of his highlight-reel plays, but also his improved reads and routes. Those improvements allowed his athleticism to play up even further, and he regularly showed a willingness to make aggressive plays in the field, running into walls or laying out to make plays. Already a plus defender, he has the tools to develop into one of the premier defensive outfielders in the game. He also features a strong, accurate arm, which adds to his value. Lara could return to Biloxi to begin the season. However, his performance suggests he's ready for a move to Triple-A. He could position himself as a depth option at the major-league level with continued success. His combination of speed, defense, and improved offensive approach provides a high floor, and continued development at the plate would further elevate his overall profile. A median outcome for Lara could be a Blake Perkins-type fourth-outfield profile. On the higher end, you could be looking at a switch-hitting Sal Frelick, who's consistently playing center field. What stands out from 11-15 in this list? Let us know your thoughts in the comments! View full article

Image courtesy of © Charles LeClaire-Imagn Images (Craig Yoho) The Brewers graduated a number of their top prospects throughout the 2026 season, including Jacob Misiorowski. They also had breakouts throughout the farm and made some trades involving prospects, so there are some new names to look at heading into this season. Let's take a look at the first installment of prospects number 16-20, as voted on and compiled by the Brewer Fanatic writers. #20 LHP JD Thompson (Vanderbilt) Thompson was the Brewers' second-round pick in 2025, where he struck out 122 batters in only 90 innings, while only walking 30 along the way. A strike-throwing lefty, Thompson features strong pitchability, interesting underlying data, and a deep arsenal. There's not a ton of projection remaining physically, but what stands out most is his overall feel for pitching. He throws a ton of strikes, sequences well, and shows the type of command and pitchability you expect from an advanced college arm. The fastball sits 92–95 MPH and plays extremely well for its velocity, generating roughly 18 inches of vertical break from a lower 5.6-foot release height. He was consistently in the zone with the pitch, but the whiff rate was still north of 30% at Vandy, which tells you the shape and deception are doing a lot of work. His changeup is his best secondary in terms of shape, coming in about 10 MPH slower than the fastball with strong vertical and arm-side movement, giving it real bat-missing potential. However, he does lose his command of it at times, which has turned some evaluators off to the pitch. The slider sits in the low-80s with some cut action, and it will be interesting to see if the Brewers try to push it toward a more cutter-like profile in pro ball, with a little more velocity, or perhaps add a cutter separately. He also mixes an upper-70s curveball that produced big whiff numbers in college thanks to its two-plane shape, and while the lower spin could lead to less swing-and-miss in pro ball, it has a chance to be an above-average offering for him as well. Given his age and experience, Thompson is a candidate to move faster than most pitchers in the system. He is a good candidate to skip Low-A and start his professional career in Appleton in 2026, and potentially push toward the upper minors sooner rather than later. Barring a velocity jump, the ceiling probably looks like a back-end starter, but he has flashed higher velocity in college. However, the combination of strike-throwing, feel, and pitch mix gives him a safe path to contributing in some form. This is the type of arm the Brewers tend to get more out of than other organizations. #19 SS Brady Ebel (Carolina Mudcats) PA H 2B 3B HR OPS wRC+ wOBA K% BB% SwStr% Whiff% PULL% CENT% OPPO% LD% GB% FB% IFFB% SB CS SB% 66 14 1 0 0 .592 79 .308 25.8% 9.1% 11.0% 27.1% 39.0% 17.1% 43.9% 37.5% 42.5% 20.0% 0.0% 0 1 0% Drafted in the Competitive Balance Round A in the 2025 draft, Ebel entered pro ball with a high level of experience and polish for a player his age. His background includes spending a lot of time around big league players and the game, as his father, Dino Ebel, has been the Dodgers' third base coach for an extended period. The early stat line comes from a very limited sample size, so it's unfair to read too much into it, especially given that several underlying traits have stood out, going back to his prep days. He's shown strong swing decisions, consistent bat-to-ball ability, and an overall offensive approach that looks more advanced than most prep hitters at this stage of development. The profile is built around contact ability, with the chance for a strong hit tool and the possibility of average or better power down the road. For the moment, Ebel's power shows up more in batting practice than in games. He's an average runner who likely won't make a major impact with speed, but he moves well enough to handle multiple positions defensively. On the defensive side, Ebel played third base in high school, as he shared the left side of the infield with 2025 number 10 pick Billy Carlson. In pro ball, though, he has primarily played shortstop, with his long-term home still up in the air. The range is solid, and he shows good instincts along with clean infield actions, but as he continues to fill out physically, a move to second or third base remains possible. His arm strength projects to be a clear plus tool and should be more than enough for either spot on the left side of the infield. There's still plenty of development ahead, but the combination of baseball awareness, offensive foundation, and defensive versatility gives Ebel a strong starting point. He went through some adjustment periods in his first exposure to pro pitching, and a return to Low-A for a full season in 2026 should provide a clearer picture of how quickly the bat might progress. #18 RHP Craig Yoho (Nashville Sounds, Milwaukee Brewers) ERA FIP xFIP IP G GS SV BS K% BB% K-BB% HR/9 SwStr% Whiff% WHIP BABIP LOB% LD% GB% FB% IFFB% HR/FB 0.99 2.53 3.62 45.1 41 0 8 2 31.7% 10.9% 20.8% 0.00 14.8% 36.9% 0.99 0.248 85.7% 19.8% 51.5% 28.7% 27.6% 0.0% Yoho moved quickly through the Brewers' system in 2024, reaching Triple-A in his first professional season after signing for just $10,000 as an eighth-round pick. He returned to Triple-A in 2025 and continued to dominate, posting a sub-1.00 ERA with a 31.7% strikeout rate while missing bats at an elite level. At 26 years old and already on the 40-man roster, he is much closer to a finished product than most players in this range. His brief struggles at the major league level came in a very limited sample and did little to change the overall outlook. The standout pitch in Yoho's arsenal is his changeup, a true plus-plus offering and one of the most effective pitches in the minor leagues. It generates high swing-and-miss rates due to its significant movement and spin characteristics. Early in his Triple-A run in 2024, the pitch even got tagged as a left-handed curveball by Statcast because of its shape. He complements the changeup with a low-to-mid 90s four-seam fastball that features heavy run and often resembles a two-seam profile. He also throws a sweeping breaking ball that underwent adjustments late in the season, tightening its movement while increasing velocity by several miles per hour. These changes aim to improve the pitch's command, above all else. Yoho will also mix in a cutter in the upper 80s, though it currently serves more as a secondary option within the arsenal. While his walk rates at Triple-A Nashville were manageable, major-league hitters showed an ability to stay off his pitches when they fell out of the strike zone. That ability to consistently locate his stuff remains the main hurdle preventing him from securing a long-term role at the big-league level. The recent adjustments to his breaking ball and continued refinement of his command will likely determine how quickly he establishes himself. Yoho's raw stuff is clearly major league caliber. With improved strike-throwing, he has the tools to develop into a leverage reliever for Milwaukee, potentially as soon as this season. #17 RHP Tyson Hardin (Wisconsin Timber Rattlers, Biloxi Shuckers) ERA FIP xFIP IP G GS CG ShO K% BB% K-BB% HR/9 SwStr% Whiff% WHIP BABIP LOB% LD% GB% FB% IFFB% HR/FB 2.72 2.35 2.66 96.0 21 21 1 1 24.7% 4.4% 20.4% 0.28 12.9% 26.9% 1.18 0.346 74.2% 26.7% 48.1% 25.2% 22.4% 4.5% A 12th-Round pick in the 2024 draft, Hardin emerged as one of the biggest surprises coming out of 2025 spring training. He continued that success into the regular season, making it all the way to Double-A and winning Brewers Minor League Pitcher of the Year. After working primarily as a two-pitch reliever in college, he showed up with a much deeper arsenal, flashing an intriguing five-pitch mix and reaching the upper-90s with his fastball at times. That peak velocity didn't consistently carry over into a starting role, where he generally sat in the 93–95 MPH range, but the ability to reach back for more velocity remains notable. There are some similarities in Hardin's development path to Brandon Woodruff's early career. Both pitchers showed more arm talent than production during their time at Mississippi State and were selected in the middle rounds of the draft, with Woodruff going in the 11th round and Hardin in the 12th. Woodruff initially operated in a similar velocity range after being drafted before gradually adding more consistent upper-90s velocity as he developed, providing a general framework for what Hardin's progression could look like. Hardin, however, is moving much faster through pro-ball than Woodruff did. Hardin's four-seam fastball stands out as the foundation of his arsenal. The pitch generates good carry for his arm slot, producing roughly 15 inches of vertical break from a 23-degree arm angle. He shows a consistent ability to elevate the fastball, leading to a very flat vertical approach angle that can reach extreme levels, recorded at -3.6 degrees during his lone spring training Statcast appearance. The overall shape and velocity of the pitch resemble Bryan Woo's four-seam fastball in Seattle, which has generated strong swing-and-miss results at the major league level. Hardin's cutter also shows traits comparable to Woo's slider, and the movement profiles of his changeup and sinker, along with his arm slot, are similar as well. Hardin also generates above-average spin across his arsenal, adding to the effectiveness of his pitch mix. Command played a big role in Hardin's success as well, as he limited his walks to a stellar 4.3% rate. Hardin experienced some arm fatigue late in the season, which was not a shock given his limited experience handling a starter's workload. How he manages durability and adapts to a full season will be an important area to monitor moving forward. If he remains healthy and continues to refine his arsenal, the profile points to a pitcher with major league starter potential and the upside to develop into a significant rotation piece. #16 CF Braylon Payne (Carolina Mudcats) PA H 2B 3B HR OPS wRC+ wOBA K% BB% SwStr% Whiff% PULL% CENT% OPPO% LD% GB% FB% IFFB% SB CS SB% 90th EV 342 69 9 4 8 .736 113 .364 30.1% 15.2% 14.5% 35.8% 51.1% 24.5% 24.5% 16.4% 50.3% 33.3% 23.0% 31 10 76% 105.1 The Brewers surprised many when they selected Payne with the 17th overall pick in the 2024 draft, though Curt Hogg has reported that the Dodgers would have selected him in the first round if he had still been on the board. At the time of the draft, Payne was widely viewed as more of a speed-first, slash-and-dash type of player. Since entering pro ball, however, he has shown significantly more raw power than expected. He posted a 105.1 MPH 90th percentile exit velocity in 2025, an impressive mark for a player who spent roughly 90% of the season as an 18-year-old. While the powerful output was encouraging, it also raised some concerns. Payne posted a 35.8% whiff rate, much higher than anticipated entering the year, and also produced ground balls at a very high rate. His elite speed helps offset some of the impact of the ground-ball profile, but it can limit the value of his hard contact. Defensively, Payne showed his upside, but also some areas for continued work. He played over-aggressively early in the season, which occasionally led to miscommunication in the outfield, but his range and willingness to make difficult plays were evident. His top-tier speed helps compensate for the currently underdeveloped jumps and reads, and those aspects did show improvement as the season progressed. The tools point to potential plus defense in center field, supported by an arm that currently grades around average. At the plate, Payne's profile shares similarities with Garrett Mitchell, particularly in batted-ball tendencies, walk rates, and swing-and-miss numbers. The defensive skill set also follows a similar path, with Mitchell representing a more developed version of the same general profile. Payne's early professional career has also been marked by health concerns, contributing to an uneven 2025 season. He opened the year strongly before experiencing a downturn that led to adjustments in his stance and load. The changes appear aimed at creating a more stable base and improving consistency, though injuries limited extended game action following the adjustment. The 2026 season should provide a clearer picture of how the new setup affects his performance. As one of the youngest players in full-season ball, Payne's up-and-down results were not unexpected. Despite the inconsistency, he still finished the season roughly 13% above league average offensively. Continued refinement of his swing path and overall contact ability will be key areas of improvement for him moving forward. His speed and defensive value provide a strong foundation, and if the bat develops, the overall profile carries significant upside. If the hit tool does not progress, his athleticism and defensive ability could still allow him to maintain a role in professional baseball, but reaching the big leagues could prove difficult. What stands out from 16-20 in this list? Let us know your thoughts in the comments! View full article

Morton is one I would absolutely revisit after he didn’t sign in 2023. The sweeper is probably a 70 grade pitch.

Another very encouraging update here! Genuinely can't believe he's already at this point. Truly incredible.

Think we avoided any this time lol. Thanks for listening!

Lugo is part of the 2028 class, but they have reached a pre-agreement with him for that class.

Darrien Miller is fine minor league depth. There’s really not much else there on offense outside of being willing to take walks and HBP’s (tends to not work out at the highest levels because pitchers will just make you beat them). As BiederGB said above, the defense is also nothing to write home about and while experience with the current big league arms is nice, that’s pretty much all it is.

They did have some late pitcher signings in the 2025 signing period, but that’s not out of the ordinary for the Brewers. Tends to be the case for them. FWIW, Chang Tzu-Chun Lin was also stateside for instructs so I don’t think he will be factoring into the DSL picture next year.

Pretty good timing for Twitter/X to go down lol, hopefully the videos will actually be viewable once that starts working properly again.