After selecting Ryan Braun with the No. 5 overall pick in the 2005 MLB First-Year Player Draft, the Milwaukee Brewers have had terrible luck selecting in the first round of the draft. Take a look back at the Brewers first round picks dating back to the 2006 draft, along with a preview to this year’s draft and who they might select with their No. 5 overall pick:
2006: Brewers select prep right-handed pitcher Jeremy Jeffress with the No. 16 overall pick
While Jeffress has developed into a reliable back end of the bullpen reliever, he’s never lived up to what the Brewers hoped he’d be after making him a high selection.
2007: Brewers select college first baseman Matt LaPorta with the No. 7 overall pick
A two-time SEC Player of the Year from Florida, LaPorta was a highly regarded prospect after being drafted by the Brewers. He is best known for being traded in the deal that sent C.C. Sabathia from the Cleveland Indians to the Brewers in 2008.
2008: Brewers select prep catcher Brett Lawrie with the No. 16 overall pick
Lawrie was a highly regarded prep player coming out of Canada and was moved to second base after signing with the Brewers. He was traded to Toronto for right-hander Shaun Marcum in December 2010.
Brewers select prep right-handed pitcher Jake Odorizzi with the No. 32 overall pick
When drafted, some scouts believed Odorizzi was the top prep arm in the draft. In December 2010, Odorizzi was part of a package of prospects the Brewers traded to Kansas City for righty Zack Greinke.
Brewers select college left-handed pitcher Evan Frederickson with the No. 35 overall pick
Most thought Frederickson would be a third or fourth round pick, but the lefty had a private workout with the Brewers and blew them away. He only lasted three minor league seasons before the Brewers released him.
2009: Brewers select college right-handed pitcher Eric Arnett with the No. 26 overall pick
One pick after Los Angeles selected Mike Trout, the Brewers played it safe and took Arnett. Despite having a successful junior season for Indiana, Arnett wasn’t able to carry it over into pro baseball. Arnett never got any higher than Class A ball and was released in 2014.
Brewers select college right-handed outfielder Kentrail Davis with the No. 39 overall pick
A speedster, Davis moved through the minor leagues quickly and was already in Triple-A by 2013. However, he wasn’t able to make it to the big leagues, struggling with plate discipline. He’s been out of the Brewers organization since 2014.
Brewers select college right-handed pitcher Kyle Heckathorn with the No. 47 overall pick
Heckathorn was a high risk, high reward righty from Kennesaw State and many scouts expected him to be a reliever in the majors. He never made it past Triple-A and was released in 2014.
2010: Brewers select prep right-handed pitcher Dylan Covey with the No. 14 overall pick
Covey didn’t sign with the Brewers and attended the University of San Diego instead. During his post-draft physical Covey was diagnosed with diabetes and decided not to sign because he wanted to adjust to the condition.
2011: Brewers select college right-handed pitcher Taylor Jungmann with the No. 12 overall pick
Jungmann was a highly regarded college pitcher coming out of Texas. Despite spending five seasons in the minors, he finally made his major league debut in 2015. After starting the 2016 season in the Brewers starting rotation, he was demoted to Triple-A.
Brewers select college left-handed pitcher Jed Bradley with the No. 15 overall pick
The Brewers were hoping Bradley would move quickly through the minor league system when they drafted him. But, he’s battled through injuries and inconsistency since being selected and was converted from a starter to a reliever in 2015. He’s currently at Double-A.
2012: Brewers select prep catcher Clint Coulter with the No. 27 overall pick
After being selected, Coulter was moved to the outfield. Coulter has experienced mixed results in his professional career and is currently in Class A-Advanced ball.
Brewers select college outfielder Victor Roache with the No. 28 overall pick
Roache was injured for the majority of his junior season at Georgia Southern, but the Brewers took a chance on the power hitting corner outfielder. With the Brewers, Roache has displayed his impressive power, but has struggled to get on base and hit for a respectable average. Roache is currently at Double-A.
Brewers select college outfielder Mitch Haniger with the No. 38 overall pick
Coming out of Cal Poly, Haniger displayed solid power and defensive abilities. Haniger is currently in the Arizona Diamondbacks farm system, after being traded by the Brewers in 2014.
2013: No first round pick after signing free agent pitcher Kyle Lohse
2014: Brewers select prep left-handed pitcher Kodi Medeiros with the No. 12 overall pick
Coming out of high school, many scouts believed the Hawaiian lefty would be a reliever as a pro due to his unorthodox arm angle. In three minor league seasons, the 20-year-old hurler has struggled and is currently in Class A-Advanced ball.
2015: Brewers select prep outfielder Trent Clark with the No. 15 overall pick
Clark was a well-rounded prep player coming out of Texas and figures to be a centerfielder at the major league level. He is off to a strong start in his professional career and is currently at Class A Wisconsin.
Brewers select college left-handed pitcher Nathan Kirby with the No. 40 overall pick
After pitching in five games in the Brewers minor league system, he was shut down and underwent Tommy John surgery in 2015. He’s yet to pitch this season.
2016: ???
The Brewers have been linked to Tennessee third baseman Nick Senzel, Mercer outfielder Kyle Lewis, Louisville outfielder Corey Ray, Puerto Rico prep shortstop Delvin Perez, prep left-hander Jason Groome and prep right-hander Riley Pint.
Who might the Brewers select with the No. 5 overall pick in the draft? The Brewers need to take the best player available regardless of the risk and draft lefty Jason Groome if he still on the board.
A New Jersey native, Groome is the top prospect in this year’s draft class. But, due to the risk of selecting a high school arm, he’s sliding down draft boards, which will likely make him available to the Brewers.
A 6-foot-6, 220-pound left-hander, Groome has the makings of being a top-of-the-rotation starting pitcher, showing the potential to have three exceptional pitches and outstanding command. Groome possesses a mid-90s fastball, a nasty curveball and a respectable changeup.
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Over the last few months I’ve interviewed 31 of the top MLB Draft prospects. Read my profiles on these draft prospects here.
