The Milwaukee Brewers had the most day one picks during the 2024 MLB Draft as they selected four players. Their selections came at 17th (first round), 34th (Competitive Balance Round-A acquired from the Baltimore Orioles), 57th (second round), and 67th (Competitive Balance Round-B). Here we hand out grades for each selection.
Grading the Milwaukee Brewers 17th overall selection: OF Braylon Payne.
As a player Braylon Payne has 70-grade speed and all the tools necessary to thrive as a center fielder. The left-handed hitter is still developing from an offensive standpoint but already possesses a short, compact, and contact oriented swing. By selecting Payne 17th overall the Brewers save slot money while also gaining a 17 year old whose risk value is lower than other prep players due to his elite speed and defensive skills. Payne is the first prep player that the Brewers have taken in the first round since 2018 when they selected Brice Turang.
- Grade: B++
Grading the Milwaukee Brewers 34th overall selection: 1B Blake Burke
The last time the Brewers had a left-handed power hitting first basemen for a prolonged duration was Prince Fielder from 2005-2011. By selecting Blake Burke, who has 70-grade power, there has to be some hope that he will be Milwaukee’s first baseman of the future in a few years. He was a National Champion at the University of Tennessee and finished his collegiate career (three seasons) with an OPS over 1.000.
- Grade: A
Grading the Milwaukee Brewers 57th overall selection: RHP Bryce Meccage.
After saving slot money with their first two picks the Brewers selected prep arm Bryce Meccage in the second round. He is a New Jersey pitcher who already stands at 6’4″ and 210 pounds. On the mound he spins the ball well. He is committed to the University of Virginia but Milwaukee should be able to pry him away and get him working in their pitching lab.
- Grade: B+
Grading the Milwaukee Brewers 67th overall selection: RHP Chris Levonas.
Just 10 selections after Meccage was taken 57th overall the Brewers stuck within the New Jersey area and drafted prep arm Chris Levonas. He similarly has a college commitment (Wake Forest), stands higher than 6’0′, and spins the ball very well. This will be another pitching lab project in which the Brewers selecting him here means that he fits the prototype that they like and they believe that they can develop him into a big league player. Milwaukee made a similar high draft pick of a prep arm in 2023 when they selected Josh Knoth 33rd overall.
- Grade: B+
The 2024 MLB Draft continues through Tuesday, July 16. Their next selection will be at 93 in the third round.
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