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Overall, the Brewers jumped from number 25 in the 2022 preseason poll all the way up to number 19 in their midseason rankings. This is a fairly significant leap, with a large chunk of that jump due to the emergence of OF Jackson Chourio (Brewers #1/MLB.com #11) and his meteoric rise in the individual rankings. However, the continued stellar play of OF Sal Frelick (#2/#49), OF Joey Weimer (#3/#89), SS Brice Turang (#4), OF Garrett Michell (#5), and others have also contributed to the climb.
As for newcomers to the Crew, spots eight through 11 in the Top 30 are all recent additions to the system. At #8, OF Esteury Ruiz is yet another speedy outfielder on the verge of contributing at the major league level after coming over from San Diego as part of the Josh Hader trade. RHP Jacob Misiorowski (#9), drafted in the second round this year, is now our top pitching prospect, followed closely by #11 LHP Robert Gasser, who also came over from the Padres in the Hader deal. Sandwiched between these two hurlers at #10 is our first round pick this year, SS Eric Brown, Jr.
While the immense talent currently present on the AAA Nashville roster is well-known, I believe that another reason that the Brewers climbed up six spots in the rankings is the promising amount of talent at the lower levels. Eighteen of the Top 30 have yet to make it to AA, with five of those still being in Rookie ball. Plus, if you read the incredible work done daily by Jim Goulart, Joseph Zarr, and Daniel Mueller (tip of the cap, my good sirs) on the Minor League Report, you know that there are multiple players at the lower levels not on MLB.com’s current Top 30 that easily could be, and likely will be soon.
Several of those at the lower levels have been international signings, which the current Brewers front office has made a top priority in their efforts to help rebuild the farm system over the past few years. These efforts are shown by the fact that 11 of the Top 30 were signed by the Brewers during the players’ international signing periods.
One potential “problem” (though it’s a good problem to have) is that, in recent drafts and international signings, the Brewers have focused on accumulating speed and athleticism, an increased emphasis on strong up-the-middle defense, as well as prioritizing bat-to-ball skills over power. Watch for my follow-up to this article with my thoughts on how that may play out in the future.
While following the Brewers Major League team this year has definitely had its ups (the first 50 games) and downs (pretty much everything since then), it has been extremely gratifying watching the progression of the Minor Leaguers this year and dreaming of how they will be able to contribute to the Brewers in both the near- and long-term future. It is also exciting to see a minor league system objectively trending in the right direction, even as they continue to compete for a postseason spot in the majors.
Want to keep up to date on all Brewers prospects? Check out the Brewer Fanatic Top 20 prospect list with stats and splits updated nightly and up-to-date scouting reports!
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