BF.net Fan Community Top 25 Prospects - 2018 Post-Season Edition

[reillymcshane]

#1 ( - ) Keston Hiura, 2B, age 22

847 points (33 1st place votes) - 34 of 34 ballots

 

Hit .293 in 2018, then won MVP of the Arizona Fall League with a line of .323/.371/.563 with six doubles, a triple, five home runs and 33 RBI. Reports are that his defense has been fine. Hiura has the potential to be the best bat produced by the Brewer system in a decade.

 

2019 Destination: AAA San Antonio

 

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#2 ( +1 ) Corey Ray, OF, age 24

759 points - 34 of 34 ballots

 

Production waned in the last month of the 2018 season, but Ray still finished with 66 extra base hits, including 27 HRs. Took a big leap in 2018, but probably needs to show more contact going forward if he wants to hit for a higher batting average. Brewers Minor League Hitter of the Year in 2019.

 

2019 Destination: AAA San Antonio

 

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#3 ( +3 ) Zack Brown, RHSP, age 24

754 points - 34 of 34 ballots

 

Brown does not overwhelm with any one pitch, but the man just keeps producing, posting a 2.40 ERA while going 9-1. With his high effort delivery, some predict his future is in the bullpen, but he’ll stay in the rotation as long as he keeps putting up strong numbers. Brewers Minor League Pitcher of the Year in 2019.

 

2019 Destination: AAA San Antonio

 

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#4 ( +1 ) Brice Turang, SS, age 19

721 points - 34 of 34 ballots

 

The Brewers top pick in 2018, Turang showed a lot of nice traits in his debut. He hit for average (.283 BA), worked counts deep, took his walks (15.8% walk rate), stole a bunch of bases (14 to be exact), and displayed a first-rate glove. On the flip side, he had only 8 extra base hits on the year - showing his lack of power.

 

2019 Destination: A- Wisconsin

 

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#5 ( -1 ) Tristen Lutz, OF, age 20

711 points - 34 of 34 ballots

 

Sporting great raw power, the Brewers are hoping that Lutz emerges as the organization’s best power bat in the next couple of years. Lutz had a middling full-season debut in 2018, but showed good progress throughout the year.

 

2019 Destination: A+ Carolina

 

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#6 ( +1 ) Lucas Erceg, 3B, age 23

618 points - 34 of 34 ballots

 

Erceg has produced solid, yet uninspiring numbers the last two years - and has not tapped into the raw power he possesses. 2019 will be a big year for him as he needs to improve at the plate if he is going to be the Crew’s answer at the Hot Corner in the future.

 

2019 Destination: AAA San Antonio

 

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#7 ( +1 ) Mauricio Dubon, 2B/SS, age 24

602 points - 33 of 34 ballots

 

A torn ACL prematurely ended Dubon’s fine 2018 season, but he is expected to be back at full strength for Spring Training. Dubon’s challenge is to demonstrate that - outside of the thin Colorado air - he is more than a singles hitter. He has a chance to begin 2019 in Milwaukee, but we’re guessing the club lets him round into baseball shape playing full time in San Antonio. But expect Dubon to make his major league debut sometime this upcoming season.

 

2019 Destination: AAA San Antonio

 

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#8 ( +1 ) Jacob Nottingham, C, age 23

524 points - 33 of 34 ballots

 

While Nottingham could break camp with the big league club out of spring training, odds are that he heads to San Antonio for some more seasoning. The big catcher has greatly improved his work behind the plate and upped his offensive output. If he can sustain his improvements - and stay healthy - he should get a sustained look by the Crew in the near future.

 

2019 Destination: AAA San Antonio

 

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#9 ( +1 ) Trey Supak, RHSP, age 22

508 points - 33 of 34 ballots

 

The big right hander continued to solidify his prospect status with a fine campaign in 2018, producing a 2.48 ERA and 123k in 137.2 innings across Carolina and Biloxi. Supak doesn’t have a standout tool, which may limit his upside, but his overall progress is encouraging.

 

2019 Destination: AAA San Antonio

 

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#10 ( +13 ) Aaron Ashby, LHSP, age 20

494 points - 33 of 34 ballots

 

The Brewers 4th round pick in 2018, Ashby has rocketed up our prospect list after dominating at Wisconsin (albeit in only 37.1 innings) late in the season. For the year, he struck out 66 batters in just 57.2 innings. The 20-year old Ashby has some wicked stuff, including a plus fastball/slider and curveball. Like so many young pitchers, he will need to refine his command if he is going to become an elite prospect.

 

2019 Destination: A+ Carolina

 

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#11 ( - ) Troy Stokes, Jr., OF, age 23

451 points - 31 of 34 ballots

 

Speed, power and patience are Troy Stokes, Jr.’s game, however, a below average arm and mediocre hit tool limit his upside. In the end, the strengths give Stokes, Jr. a good chance to reach the major leagues in the next year or two.

 

2019 Destination: AAA San Antonio

 

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#12 ( - ) Marcos Diplan, RHSP, age 22

351 points - 32 of 34 ballots

 

Diplan has basically not changed as a pitcher since joining the Crew. While brilliant at times, his performances are erratic. No longer a teenager, Diplan will need to grow as pitcher in 2019 to maintain his prospect cache. The inconsistency and lack of command could mean a move to the bullpen in the future.

 

2019 Destination: AA Biloxi

 

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#13 ( +17 ) Braden Webb, RHSP, age 22

337 points - 27 of 34 ballots

 

A lack of command has plagued Braden Webb throughout his short professional career (105BB in 207 IP), but the former 3rd round pick has risen up the prospect ranks due to a quality fastball and excellent curve. Webb will need to sharpen up his control as he faces more advanced batters, but our voters were impressed with Webb’s progress throughout the 2018 season.

 

2019 Destination: AA Biloxi

 

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#14 ( +1 ) Payton Henry, RHSP, age 22

331 points - 28 of 34 ballots

 

Strong bat who has yet to tap into his power. Henry has progressed on the defensive side of the spectrum, but saw his bat swooned after the all-star break (.795 OPS pre break vs .621 OPS post break). In addition to avoiding the long funks, Henry will need to cut down his strikeouts (32%).

 

2019 Destination: A+ Carolina

 

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#15 ( +2 ) Carlos Rodriguez, OF, age 18

327 points - 31 of 34 ballots

 

Hit .325 at age 17 and you will get noticed. That’s exactly what Carlos Rodriguez did in 2018. The young OF flashes speed, good defense and the ability to hit. It’s a special mix for someone so young. The next question will be what kind of power he develops as he matures.

 

2019 Destination: Rocky Mountain Vibes (ROK)

 

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#16 ( -3 ) Adrian Houser, RHP, age 26

326 points - 28 of 34 ballots

 

Houser offers an interesting challenge for 2019. He has no options remaining, meaning if the Brewers decide to send him to the minors, he must be placed on waivers and can be claimed by any other organization. It’s highly unlikely that he would clear waivers - and we’d lose him for nothing. Our guess is that the Crew will go with Houser in the bullpen in 2019 as there is some solid upside in the man. He has a first rate fastball and curve. His command is spotty, but it won’t be as much of an issue in a relief role. Houser is - to a degree - still rounding into form since recovering from Tommy John surgery and missing signifiant chunks of playing time in 2016 and 2017. He was inconsistent in 2018, but showed flashes of being something special. If the Brewers don’t have a place for Houser in Milwaukee, he will likely be dealt.

 

2019 Destination: Milwaukee or another organization

 

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#17 ( -1 ) Joe Gray, OF, age 19

294 points - 27 of 34 ballots

 

Gray is a classic project. He is a guy with huge power, great bat speed, a cannon for an arm, and good speed. However, his hit tool is lacking, and he is easily fooled by breaking stuff. Thus far, this has led to a lot of strike outs and a low batting average (although the sample is just 24 games). Fans and the organization will need to be patient with Gray as it will take time to adjust to professional ball. No matter, it will be fun to see how the young man performs in the coming years.

 

2019 Destination: Rocky Mountain Vibes (ROK)

 

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#18 ( -3 ) Jake Gatewood, 1B, age 23

293 points - 28 of 34 ballots

 

Gatewood had already hit a career high 19 HR when he tore his ACL in July, ending his season. A tall, powerful man, Gatewood reworked his swing over the years in an attempt to tap into his tremendous raw power and cut down on his strikeouts. Fans will want to see if Gatewood can put things together as he moves to the top rung of the minors in 2019.

 

2019 Destination: AAA San Antonio

 

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#19 ( -3 ) Trent Grisham, OF, age 22

209 points - 24 of 34 ballots

 

2019 will be big for Grisham. After a promising pro debut in 2015, he has put up middling numbers at each stop. While Grisham has plenty of patience and speed, the organization needs him to rediscover the swing that made him one of the nation’s top prep bats back in 2015.

 

2019 Destination: AA Biloxi

 

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#20 ( -3 ) Micah Bello, OF, age 18

157 points - 20 of 34 ballots

 

The Brewers Competitive Balance B draft pick (73rd overall) in 2018, Bello is a contact-oriented hitter with good speed and a quality arm. He takes his walks and makes decent contact, but will need add to strength in his now-slight frame.

 

2019 Destination: Rocky Mountain Vibes (ROK)

 

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#21 ( - ) Mario Feliciano, C, age 20

150 points - 20 of 34 ballots

 

Feliciano did not have a good 2018 season, appearing in only 46 games due to a nagging injuries. No matter, he is an intriguing. Analysts are divided as to whether Feliciano will remain behind the plate full time, as well as the upside of his bat. Some see a potential star - particularly if he can stay behind the plate.

 

2019 Destination: A+ Carolina

 

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#22 ( +13 ) Tyrone Taylor, OF, age 25

122 points - 16 of 34 ballots

 

Welcome back, Tyrone Taylor! Taylor ranked #2 in our first BF.net Community Poll back in May of 2014. In August of 2014, he came within one point of taking the #1 spot in our second poll (just missing out to Orlando Arcia). The intervening years were rough on Taylor, but he came back big in 2018, slugging 20 HRs and hitting .278. However, we should temper our enthusiasm as Taylor had a 1.016 OPS in the thin air of Colorado (and just a .636 OPS on the road). Still, the Brewers added Taylor to their 40-man roster this offseason. At this point, Taylor profiles as a fourth outfielder - probably not good enough to play everyday, but a guy who could play all three OF positions as needed, and pinch hit/run.

 

2019 Destination: AAA San Antonio

 

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#23 ( +4 ) Je’Von Ward, OF, age 19

112 points - 21 of 34 ballots

 

After just missing out on making it into our hallowed list last summer (he came in at #27), Ward debuts in our Top 25 poll on the heels of hitting .307 at Helena. A good athlete, Ward displays plus speed and raw power - the latter of which will need to be unlocked in the coming years.

 

2019 Destination: A- Wisconsin

 

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#24 ( - ) Cody Ponce, RHP, age 24

109 points - 16 of 34 ballots

 

Despite a solid, well-rounded profile, Ponce has never been able to produce results that get people excited. The talent is there - it’s about putting it all together and staying healthy. After starting most of his professional career, the Brewers shifted Ponce to the bullpen last summer. If that is any indication, his future may be that of a multi-inning reliever.

 

2019 Destination: AAA San Antonio

 

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#25 ( -5 ) Caden Lemons, RHP, age 20

97 points - 20 of 34 ballots

 

Lemons has only thrown 34 innings in his two professional seasons. At 6’6”, he offers a projectable frame and a plus fastball - as well as spotty command. In 2019, we should finally see Lemons unleashed by the organization.

 

2019 Destination: Rocky Mountain Vibes (ROK)

 

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All ages listed are as of April 1, 2019.

 

All 2019 destinations are the best guess of the dude running this whole thing.

 

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The rest

 

Pablo Abreu - 78

Chad McClanahan - 74

Quintin Torres-Costa - 61

Larry Ernesto - 48

Jon Olczak - 44

Cam Roegner - 43 (also received a 1st place vote)

Nathan Kirby - 41

Clayton Andrews - 39

Weston Wilson - 35

Bubba Derby - 35

Conor Harber - 31

Leugim Castillo - 21

David Fry - 18

Phil Bickford - 17

Eddie Silva - 15

Joantel Segovia - 14

Ryan Aguilar - 14

Devin Williams - 14

Max Lazar - 14

Andres Melendez - 14

Joey Matulovich - 14

Scott Sunitsch - 13

Jolon Lun/Zhao - 13

Cooper Hummel - 13

Justin Jarvis - 11

Luis Aviles, Jr. - 11

Jake Hager - 10

Drew Rasmussen - 9

Jesus Chirinos - 8

Eduardo Garcia - 7

Yeison Coca - 7

Aaron Wilkerson - 7

Thomas Jankins - 6

Dylan File - 5

Branlyn Jaraba - 5

Justin Bullock - 5

Victor Vargas - 4

Zach Clark - 4

Daniel Brown - 4

Eduarqui Fernandez - 4

Miguel Sanchez - 4

Michele Vassalotti - 3

Jorge Ortega - 3

Henry Medina - 2

Dantel Ramirez - 1

Michael Mediavilla - 1

Bowden Francis - 1

Nate Griep - 1

 

Original voting thread: viewtopic.php?f=64&t=37829

[reillymcshane]

Thanks to everyone who participated in this version of our Top 25 poll.

 

Here are some numbers:

 

Gone from the Top 25: Burnes (graduated), McClanahan (dropped to 27), Torres-Costa (dropped to 28)

Newcomers to Top 25: Braden Webb, Je'Von Ward, Tyrone Taylor (technically a re-entry)

Number of ballots: 34

Number of players on ballots: 73

Mr. Irrelevant (1 point): Dantel Ramirez. Michael Mediavilla, Bowden Francis, Nate Griep

Risers: Webb, Ashby, Taylor

Fallers: Torres-Costa (due to Tommy John surgery), Lemons (just hasn't pitch much yet)

 

Please know that all write ups are my own observations and opinions.

 

If you see any mistakes, please let me know. Sometimes autocorrect will trick me. Or I’ll cut and paste something incorrectly. Other times I just mess something up. I will update as needed.

[reillymcshane]

Observations from the voting.

 

As this was our post season poll, participation was fairly low (34 voters) which is common.

 

Keston Hiura was - almost - an unanimous #1 selection. One voter selected Cam Roegner, preventing the sweep.

 

With only one graduate (Burnes), there wasn't a ton of movement. The big moves came from Braden Webb, Aaron Ashby and Tyrone Taylor.

 

Ashby's rise, especially with such a short track record, was pretty amazing.

 

The return of Tyrone Taylor is sort of a nice feel good story. Once a top 100 prospect - and #2 on our polls - his return is pretty fascinating.

[sveumrules]

Thanks as always for putting the work in on this, reilly.

 

Extra internet points awarded to Oxy, Austin Tatious & Roderick as the three posters getting on the Eduardo Garcia train early.

 

Should see a decent number of these guys in Milwaukee this year, too. Hiura seems like a pretty good bet after the Super Two deadline. Houser should factor into the bullpen mix. Nottingham & Dubon look to be an injury away from backup duty at the moment. Will also be interesting to see who of Ray, Stokes & Taylor gets the call when we inevitably need an OF at some point.

[reillymcshane]

One thing I didn't note was the volume of players at AAA.

 

Hiura, Brown, Ray, Dubon, Nottingham, Erceg, Supak, Stokes, Gatewood, Taylor, and Ponce - 11 of our top 25 are projected for San Antonio.

 

The other thing I didn't note was that none of the top 25 are ticketed for Milwaukee except for Houser (which isn't a guarantee).

 

We had a nice wave of young pitchers last year - Woodruff, Peralta, Burnes and T. Williams - all come up and contribute. I'm guessing we'll see this next wave of players as the season progresses. It will be interesting to see what players can make an impact at the big league level.

[OnaBadger58]

Awesome job as always Reilly. The prospect rankings were how I found this website (was a lurker for many years). Keep up the great work!

[reillymcshane]

Awesome job as always Reilly. The prospect rankings were how I found this website (was a lurker for many years). Keep up the great work!

Thanks much.

[LouisEly]

One thing I didn't note was the volume of players at AAA.

 

Hiura, Brown, Ray, Dubon, Nottingham, Erceg, Supak, Stokes, Gatewood, Taylor, and Ponce - 11 of our top 25 are projected for San Antonio.

 

The other thing I didn't note was that none of the top 25 are ticketed for Milwaukee except for Houser (which isn't a guarantee).

 

We had a nice wave of young pitchers last year - Woodruff, Peralta, Burnes and T. Williams - all come up and contribute. I'm guessing we'll see this next wave of players as the season progresses. It will be interesting to see what players can make an impact at the big league level.

Awesome job as always. I did this once and it takes a good bit of effort.

 

Your point about how many are ticketed for AAA is an important one. It's why I don't think they need to invest in the SP free agent market - in addition to Brown and Supak, it's likely that at least one of Peralta, Woodruff, and Burnes starts the season there. They have depth. And they also have some pieces they can use to get a few rentals; they may not have the upper tier guys to get an ace or Realmuto, but guys who are close to the majors have value and some of these guys could get another Moustakas, Gonzales, or Soria rental.

[CheeseheadInQC]

Thanks for putting this together. It is always fascinating.

 

I always find it interesting which players, even with 73 mentioned, didn't interest anyone enough to put them in the top 25 even though some would probably rank them higher than many of the ones listed.

 

For instance I believe only two college pitchers drafted and signed by the Brewers in 2018 did not make the list. Brady Schanuel had a disastrous debut, although there is still upside there. The other though posted a 1.16 WHIP and 10+ K/9 at Wisconsin. Not saying Hintzen deserved to be in the top 25 (I obviously didn't include him on my list), just that it was interesting that almost all of them got a vote except him.

 

Also from the 2018 draft, eight players got $200K+ bonuses. Three, Reese Olson, Korry Howell and Wade Beasley did not make the list (Olson actually got more to sign than Jarvis). Also, one injury-plagued year knocked last year's fourth-rounder Brendan Murphy from consideration.

 

I believe the top defenders in the minor league system at the two top defensive positions, Max McDowell and Antonio Pinero, also didn't make any top 25s.

[brewcrewdue80]

Fairly drastic decline than a year ago, even though so many are AAA probables.

Really need a Catcher to step up as another year goes by and that group is lacking. Gatewood I hope returns healthy. I think he's been such a hard worker refining his deficiencies and fear he'll end up a casualty loss to another team running out of time controlled by the Crew.

[Eye Black]

I think some of this has been out there for awhile, but sharing some notes on Aaron Ashby in the recently released Baseball America Prospect Handbook. It mentions that while his curveball stood out, “the Brewers actually prefer a power slider that has impressive depth and two-plane break.” It still lists his curveball as his best pitch, but notes it is a, “sharp-breaking curveball he can spin harder to morph into a slider.” It sounds like Ashby developing his changeup is likely an emphasis moving forward.

[Austin Tatious]

I think some of this has been out there for awhile, but sharing some notes on Aaron Ashby in the recently released Baseball America Prospect Handbook. It mentions that while his curveball stood out, “the Brewers actually prefer a power slider that has impressive depth and two-plane break.” It still lists his curveball as his best pitch, but notes it is a, “sharp-breaking curveball he can spin harder to morph into a slider.” It sounds like Ashby developing his changeup is likely an emphasis moving forward.

 

That’s a heck of a repertoire, especially if he comes through with the change up. To me he has a good chance of continuing the tradition of success by drafting more advanced pitchers after the first couple of rounds, when you look at Woodruff, Burnes, Zach Brown, and Webb.

[reillymcshane]

As a note, we will look to do our Pre-Season poll in the next couple of weeks.

 

I don't expect lots of change from the post-season poll, but we will still see how things shake out.