This series will highlight a handful of prospects, team-by-team, heading into the 2021 season. I will offer a handful of Top Prospects, as well as a few “In The Pipeline” prospects for dynasty owners to keep an eye on in the next couple of seasons. With that, let’s jump right in!
Top Prospects
Garrett Mitchell, OF
Hit: 50/60 | Power: 45/50 | Speed: 70/70 | Arm: 60/60 | Field: 55/60
Mitchell is a plus runner who will steal plenty of bases and cover a lot of ground at a premium CF position. Given time he should become a plus defender and a long-term staple in the Brewers OF.
Brice Turang, 2B/SS
Hit: 30/40 | Power: 30/40 | Speed: 55/55 | Arm: 55/55 | Field: 50/60
According to scouts, Turang has all-around tools and a high baseball IQ. In 2019, at Low-A, Turang slashed .287/.384/.376 with 21 stolen bases, 2 home runs and posted a 13.7% BB% with a 15.1% K%. Of course, he did struggle in High-A as he seemed overmatched by the pitchers, but it’s not uncommon for prospects to make adjustments the second time through a level. Look for Turang to open 2021 in High-A, where it’s said he’s already been making adjustments to his game.
Tristen Lutz, OF
Hit: 30/45 | Power: 30/55 | Speed: 50/45 | Arm: 60/60 | Field: 40/45
Lutz seems destined to play RF because of his above-average arm strength. His routes and jumps still need work, but scouts believe his profile and bat will play at RF. Lutz will need to work on his swing mechanics because currently, there is too much swing and miss in his game. Look for Lutz to open 2021 in High-A, possibly AA depending on how he plays in spring training, and, more importantly, watch to see if he’s able to make the necessary adjustments to his hit-tool moving forward.
Ethan Small, P
Fastball: 50/55 | Curveball: 40/45 | Changeup: 55/60 | Command: 45/55
The most feared injury a pitching prospect can have is one that requires Tommy John Surgery (TJS). Ethan Small, who had TJS in 2017, has had improved control and command since recovering from his surgery. He has a simple, repeatable delivery which allows him to pound the strike zone. Small’s biggest knock is the lack of a true plus pitch but his floor projects as a back-of-the-rotation starter.
Mario Feliciano, C
Hit: 35/55 | Power: 30/55 | Speed: 30/30 | Arm: 55/55 | Field: 35/45
Feliciano is a hit-first C, and while no prospect in the Brewers system offers a higher hit ability and power combo, he’ll need to make some adjustments at both sides of the plate. Defensively, Feliciano has the tools needed to stick behind the plate, but his framing and receiving will need to improve as he proceeds through the minors. Look for Feliciano to start 2021 in AA, but if he can continue to improve his defense, don’t be surprised to see a cameo appearance late in 2021 or early 2022.
In The Pipeline
Eduardo Garcia, SS
Hit: 20/50 | Power: 20/50 | Speed: 45/50 | Arm: 50/60 | Field: 40/60
Garcia is viewed as a premium defender with all-around tools. He also has sound hitting mechanics, which are advanced for his age and scouts believe will lead to 15+ home run upside as he fills out his 6’2″ frame. In 10 games of Rookie ball in 2019, he slashed .313/.450/.469 and posted 15% BB% with a 22.5% K%. Obviously, this was a small sample, but if Garcia can continue with this solid start, he could quickly climb the farm system ranks.
Hedbert Perez, OF
Hit: 25/55 | Power: 20/50 | Speed: 55/60 | Arm: 50/55 | Field: 40/55
Scouts believe Hedbert Perez has one of the highest ceilings in the Brewers organization. His plus speed, range, great instincts, and jumps have some scouts placing him in any OF position. Offensively he’s said to have a pure, clean swing with good bat speed and a feel for the barrel. He’s also shown great raw power for a teenager, which has some scouts dreaming of his offensive ceiling. Look for Perez to make his long-awaited debut in 2021.
Jackson Chourio, SS
Jackson Chourio is yet another talented prospect from Venezuela coming to the Brewers. This 17-year-old kid is said to have an above-average hit and power tool with an advanced approach at the plate. It will be several years before we see Chourio in the majors but watch his debut in 2021 as the many scouts in the Brewers organization are already saying Chourio will be a fast climber in the farm ranks.
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