Over the last two years the Milwaukee Brewers have gone from owning one of the game’s weakest farm systems to arguable the best in baseball. Their system will only get stronger as their recent MLB First-Year Player Draft picks continue to develop.
The Brewers had an outstanding 2016 draft, netting outstanding college players, while also selecting some high ceiling high school talent.
Here is a report of some of the top performers in 2016 following the draft:
Corey Ray (OF): Ray might not have gotten off to the best pro start, but he’s the Brewers first-round pick and the No. 2 overall prospect according to MLB.com. He offers the best combination of hitting and athleticism, and possesses five-tool potential.
In his first professional season, Ray played in 60 games between Class A and Class A-Advanced, hitting .239 with five home runs and 17 RBIs.
In October, Ray underwent surgery to repair a torn meniscus in his left knee. There is no timetable set for Ray’s return.
Lucas Erceg (3B): Erceg got his professional career off to a scorching start, after the Brewers selected him in the second-round. In 68 games between Rookie ball and Class A, the left-handed swinging third basemen hit .327 with nine home runs, 51 RBIs and 30 extra-base hits.
He did commit 13 errors at the hot corner, but figures to stay their long-term, possessing an above average arm.
Corbin Burnes (RHP): A 6-foot-3, 205-pound righty from St. Mary’s, the Brewers selected Burnes in the fourth-round. Splitting time between Rookie ball and Class A, Burnes appeared in 12 games (six starts), registering a 2.02 ERA with 41 strikeouts, 18 walks and a 1.26 WHIP in 35 2/3 innings.
It is unclear whether Burnes’ future is in the starting rotation or in the bullpen. Due to effort in his delivery some believe it’s in the pen, but if he can maintain a consistent delivery and velocity, he could end up as a back-end of the rotation starter.
Ronnie Gideon (1B): Selected in the 23rd round, Gideon has outperformed his draft position, registering 17 home runs, 41 RBIs and a .321 batting average in 245 plate appearances at Rookie ball.
Gideon has more raw power than anyone in the Brewers draft class and is a respectable defensive first baseman. While, Gideon has a hard road to the majors being a late round pick, he’s definitely on the right track after a strong first season in the Brewers’ organization.
Find more coverage on prospects and the MLB Draft here.
