Cam Devanney wasn’t really on the map as far as being a potential big leaguer until last year. Devanney mashed 23 homers between Biloxi and Nashville in a breakout season for the now 26-year-old.
Devanney was a 15th-round selection of the Brewers in 2019. The 6-1, 210-pound Devanney can play third base, shortstop, second base, and even first base. With Andruw Monasterio coming back to Earth offensively and Brian Anderson seemingly chained to the bench, Devanney could give the Brewers a boost from the third base spot – though it likely comes in 2024.
2022 Brewers Minor League Leaders (HR):
25: Jakson Reetz
24: Jon Singleton
22: Cam Devanney
21: Joey Wiemer
20: Jackson Chourio
15: Joe Gray, Eduardo Garcia, Hedbert Perez, Jace Avina
14: Wes Clarke— Brewer Fanatic (@brewer_fanatic) September 24, 2022
Should Devanney get a chance with the Brewers?
I’d love to see a longtime farmhand get a chance over someone like, say, Jahmai Jones. Also, I think Devanney can provide something similar to the surprise Monasterio has been. Devanney, though, can provide some power along with it.
Devanney isn’t on the 40-man roster, which hurts his chances for an opportunity this season.
The @Brewers @BrewersPD 2022 Organizational All-Stars featuring Brice Turang, Jon Singleton, Sal Frelick, Cam Devanney, Cam Robinson and Jakson Reetz! Maybe some future Sounds here as well… 👀
📰: https://t.co/M9p4Buqq9O pic.twitter.com/ZR9jb00UuK— Nashville Sounds (@nashvillesounds) November 15, 2022
If Devanney ultimately doesn’t get a chance this season – which is likely the case – he should get a chance at some playing time in Milwaukee in 2024. With Willy Adames almost certainly traded in the offseason, there will be playing time available, most likely. Brice Turang seemingly will slide over to shortstop, but Devanney could be a third base, second base, or utility man option. Devanney is considered to be a good defender.
Devanney has shown some power with 23 homers between AA-Biloxi and AAA-Nashville last year. This season, Devanney is slashing .264/.353/.464 for a .817 OPS. He has 11 homers, 22 doubles, and 42 RBIs while adding 50 runs scored. Another reason to like Devanney is he mashes LHP, slashing .333/.407/.568 for a .965 OPS this year. He hit lefties at a .300 clip last season with an OPS over .900 as well, and we all know the Brewers’ recent deficiencies hitting southpaws.
Brewers Minor League Leaders (Doubles):
29: Robert Moore
25: Abraham Toro
19: Jackson Chourio, Cam Devanney
18: Je'Von Ward
17: Wes Clarke
16: Tyler Black, Darrien Miller
15: Luke Adams, Jadher Areinamo, Gregory Barrios#ThisIsMyCrew— Brewer Fanatic (@brewer_fanatic) August 13, 2023
Devanney Heating Up At Dish
After a slow start this season, the right-handed hitting Devanney returned from the injured list with a sizzling June. The versatile Devanney hit over .300 (20 for 66), with 13 of his 20 hits (eight doubles, four homers, a triple) being extra-base hits with a 1.001 OPS.
He enjoyed a nearly as strong August, hitting .333 (24 for 72) with three homers, a .969 OPS, 14 RBIs, and six doubles in the month.
Stay hot Cam Devanney! Over the past 2 weeks, Devanney has more XBHs (8) and BBs (6) than Ks (5), and a .947 OPS!#ThisIsMyCrew pic.twitter.com/LDNhyFFPyJ
— Brewers Player Development (@BrewersPD) August 24, 2023
Bottom line
This season may not be in the cards for the longtime Brewers minor leaguer Devanney. However, if he’s still in the system after this year, he should get an opportunity to show his potential in Spring Training. I feel Devanney could ultimately be a contributor with the big-league team.
Devanney isn’t expected to be a big-time offensive player. However, he is a versatile defender with some power, with the potential to be a quality utility player for the Brewers. With Turang likely the shortstop next year with the departure of Adames, and Monasterio proving a serviceable third baseman, there is an opening at second base that Devanney could fill or a Hernan Perez-like role, as Devanney can play any infield spot.
