The Milwaukee Brewers have seen many key pieces leave via trade and free agency this off-season. Devin Williams was traded to the Yankees, and Willy Adames signed a six-year, $182 million contract with the San Francisco Giants, which ended up being the largest contract in Giants history. The Giants got some talent back in the Williams trade, established starter Nestor Cortez, and infield prospect Caleb Durbin who might be able to help sooner rather than later.
The Brewers feel they can manage in the infield with 26-year-old Joey Ortiz, and 25-year-old Brice Turang, who won a gold glove at second base last year. Durbin will likely get to play one of those infield spots if he can make the team out of spring training.
Another Year of Youth: Brewers to Lean Heavily on Young Core
The Brewers have a couple of mainstays on their opening-day roster in Christian Yelich and William Contreras, but their lineup will lean heavily on the young guns. Jackson Chourio had a remarkable year last year, hitting .275 with 21 home runs and 79 RBI, swiping 22 bags in his first full year in the majors. Defensively Chourio didn’t make a single error in the outfield last year out of the 290 chances he had. You would expect in season two for all of those numbers to go up, if he can get a little more patient and draw a few more walks, those stolen base numbers could skyrocket.
Brice Turang’s biggest attribute is his speed, last year was not a great year for walks and OBP, but he still managed to steal 50 bases (good for 3rd in the league). His strikeouts aren’t alarming but he too like Chourio needs to be more selective and draw a few more walks. You should expect anywhere from .350 to.375 OBP, which 50+ stolen bases wouldn’t be out of the question. His power and gap-hitting should improve with better pieces around him and more at-bats.
Also look for young players like infielders Caleb Durbin, and Tyler Black, catcher Jeferson Quero, and pitchers Logan Henderson, and Carlos Rodriguez to have an immediate impact this year for the Brewers. I don’t think a trade for another starter or DH batter is out of the question.
Milwaukee Brewers: Brewers 17-year-old prospect listed as breakout candidate for 2025
The Brewers selected Jesus Made out of San Cristobal, Dominican Republic in this year’s International draft pool. Made is a 17-year-old shortstop who can also play third base. He is a switch hitter with above-average power potential from both sides of the plate and a great feel for the strike zone. His slightly upward swinging motions allow him to hit the ball hard into the gaps.
He does have a lean body with room to pack on more muscle and strength as he develops. With his soft hands and good footwork, he is recognized as an emerging defender with plus-arm potential. He has a chance to be a difference-maker defensively. Jesus is ranked as the 23rd best International prospect in all of baseball.
Jesus a Force in Rookie Ball: Brewers Excited by Young Talent
Jesus Made had a lot of heads turning during his pre-draft workouts in the Dominican Republic. His effortless swing and routine fielding were a thing of beauty that not many 17-year-olds possess. In rookie ball Jesus .331/.458/.554 OPS of 1.012 in 175 at-bats. He added 63 runs, 39 walks, 28 steals, and 21 extra-base hits in 51 games. He has the potential to move through the minor leagues very quickly but should be ready to make an impact for a few years. The future is bright for the Brewers and Jesus Made.
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