The Milwaukee Brewers Minor League system has taken some hits in recent months.
However, the cupboard is far from bare and the Milwaukee Brewers future remains as bright as any team in baseball. MLB Pipelines has recently released an updated Brewers Top-30 and we’ll be looking at the Top-10 today. First, let’s take a look at a couple of players who are not currently ranked in the Top-10.
Jake Gatewood- First Base
Currently just on the outside of the Top-10 at number 11 for the Brewers is Jake Gatewood. The former 2014 supplemental first-rounder has shown his versatility throughout his Minor League career by playing three different positions defensively.
Following two seasons as a shortstop, Gatewood has split time between third and first base. He has played primarily at first this year where his bat will play well as he matures. The 22-year-old has the potential to make an impact in MLB in the near future.
Gatewood has a .244 batting average with a .297 on-base percentage during his Minor League career. Although those numbers are nothing to be excited over, his power numbers are impressive. He has a career .709 on-base plus slugging percentage with 61 home runs in 513 games. Last season alone, the right-handed hitter amassed 58 extra-base hits while playing at the Advanced-A and Double-A levels.
Currently playing with Double-A Biloxi, Gatewood has been up to his normal tricks during this season. He’s hitting .244 with a .302 on-base percentage. Again, his power is his best skill and he has not disappointed. Gatewood has 19 home runs to go along with 19 doubles as well as 59 runs batted in. Unfortunately, his season is over following an ACL tear in late July and he’ll have to start fresh again during the 2019 season.
Marcos Diplan- Pitcher
The Texas Rangers signed Marcos Diplan as the eight ranked international prospect during the 2013 season. Milwaukee acquired Diplan, along with Corey Knebel, in exchange for Yovani Gallardo prior to the 2015 season. He has been inconsistent thus far in the Minors but possesses solid upside and could have a bright future in the Cream City.
Diplan ranked 13 in the system, receives a plus-grade (60) for his fastball and it is electric. The right-hander generally sits in the low-mid 90’s with his heater but can reach back for a little extra at times. His slider also grades out as a plus pitch (60) and he should generate plenty of swings and misses as he matures.
The 21-year-old was inconsistent while pitching for Advanced-A Carolina during the 2017 season. He finished with a 5.68 earned run average with 119 strikeouts across 125 2/3 innings pitched. However, he has shown improvement while pitching at the Advanced-A and Double-A levels during the 2018 season.
Diplan currently has a 3.47 earned run average in 20 starts across two levels of the Minors this year. He has pitched well while facing tougher hitters in Double-A and is gaining momentum toward a possible September call-up. He has a 3.38 earned run average with 36 strikeouts through his first seven starts for Biloxi this season.
Although Diplan seeing MLB action during this season is a stretch, he is progressing to the point of being in the conversation. His future could very well be in the bullpen and his electric stuff will help this team stay relevant in the National League.
Those are only two of what I feel is an underrated Milwaukee Brewers Minor League system. Let’s look at the 10 best prospects starting with a familiar name at catcher and a rising star on the mound.