Milwaukee Brewers’ Prospects: #20 Nathan Kirby

When the Milwaukee Brewers were able to draft Nathan Kirby with their second pick (#40 overall) in the 2015 draft, many felt they got a steal. By drafting a player that many felt was one of the top arms in the nation, the Brewers have added another high quality arm to the organization. Though he will miss next season due to Tommy John surgery, here is a look at why Kirby is ranked as our 20th best prospect in the Brewers’ organization.

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Before the 2015 season began it was clear that Kirby was one of college baseball’s best arms. During the 2014 season, Kirby went 9-3 with a 2.06 ERA, as he averaged just under a strike out per inning and he was named an All-American.

This past season at Virgina, while he did miss some time due to injury, and he battled a bit of wildness, he still was able to finish the year with a 2.53 ERA and 81 strikeouts in 64 innings of work. He was even able to be on the mound to close out the title for Virgina.

As a professional, he debuted with the Timber Rattlers and he struggled. Though he only had five appearances, his final two outings really inflated his ERA and then came the elbow injury.

Though he is expected to miss all of next year with Tommy John Surgery, Kirby’s potential is what makes him a top-20 Brewers’ prospect. For the past two season’s he has been one of the best college pitchers in the nation and with three-plus pitches, I truly believe that Kirby has the potential to be at the very least a mid-to-backend of the rotation starter in Milwaukee. The Brewers got a steal getting Kirby at pick number 40 and while it may take a bit longer than originally hoped to see him pitch, Kirby will prove that he was worth the wait.