Milwaukee Brewers: Drafting The Future Outfield

Yesterday, when we took a look at what the future Milwaukee Brewers infield could look like.  A lot of the players mentioned were a little bit under the radar, but it’s clear that a lot of talent is heading to Miller Park soon.

When the Milwaukee Brewers return to the playoffs, which outfield prospects should they count on to make a home run-robbing catch in game seven of the World Series?

Top Outfield Prospects:
Lewis Brinson, Ryan Cordell, Brett Phillips, Corey Ray.

These options are based on players on the Brewers Top 30 prospect list.

Lewis Brinson: CF, ( 6 seasons) Age 23, .282/.347/.494, 80 home runs, 287 RBIs
Current team: Colorado Springs Sky Sox Triple-A

Ryan Cordell: LF, ( 5 seasons) Age 25, .277/.340/.467, 60 home runs, 247 RBIs
Current team: Colorado Springs Sky Sox Triple-A

Brett Phillips: RF, ( 6 seasons) Age 22, .280/.361/.469, 55 home runs, 257 RBIs
Current team: Colorado Springs Sky Sox Triple-A

Corey Ray: CF, ( 2 seasons) Age 22, .242/.307/.376, 5 home runs, 30 RBIs
Current team: Carolina MudCats High-A

Right now it seems that current number one prospect Lewis Brinson will be headed to Milwaukee as soon as this season. Brinson is having an outstanding year for the Sky Sox at Triple-A. He owns a .326/.382/.528 with four home runs and 13 RBIs. Once Brinson makes the jump, who will he replace?

The best bet is that he will be inserted into center field to give Keon Broxton a run for his money and eventually end up taking over as the every day role for the foreseeable future.

With his potential to be a 5-tool player and his plus-plus speed to go along with superb defensive skills, the Brewers could have another franchise player on the roster in the coming months.

Once Brinson has solidified himself, we could see him joined by another highly coveted prospect, Brett Phillips. After Phillips struggled in Double-A last season, the Brewers invited him to spring training. It was his first in the organization and he did not disappoint in his opportunities. The Brewers felt it best to move him up to Triple-A to develop with Brinson and Cordell.

So far the promotion has done him wonders. Currently, he is slashing .303/.380/.562 with six home runs and 25 RBIs. He isn’t known for being much of a power threat, but playing at Miller Park is likely to have a positive impact on his numbers. Phillips will be a great addition to the future outfield with his incredible arm strength. He could be an All-Star right fielder within a few seasons.

Now that those two coveted prospects are inserted in center and right, that leaves us one big question. Who will man left field?  It’s hard to imagine a player not named Braun in left field at Miller Park, but his future replacement is already in the organization. He is currently hitting .308/.381/.548 with five home runs and 20 RBIs for the Sky Sox.

He was the player to be named later in the Jonathan Lucroy trade and soon to be taking the reigns from Ryan Braun. He is none other than Ryan Cordell. Cordell is an interesting candidate as he can also play third base. However, he has only played 51 games at the hot corner in his Minor League career, so we will only see him there if ever, on rare occasions.  It is still nice to have the added versatility.

Cordell is an all around baseball player. He is durable and hits for a lot of power. He could possibly be a 30 home run guy in the Majors once he is fully developed.

Unlike the aforementioned players, Corey Ray will have a long wait to see the big leagues, but when he does he will be another solid addition.

Ray, the Milwaukee Brewers 5th overall pick in the 2016 draft out of Louisville is already 22 years old. This enticed the Brewers to place him in the upper minors right away instead of him having to play rookie ball at Helena.

From the left side of the plate, Ray looks like he is destined to put up big numbers in hitter-friendly Miller Park, but how will he get any playing time? Unless someone in the outfield of Brinson, Phillips and Cordell struggles, he might need to consider a position change. Perhaps to first base or Cordell’s ability to play third could come in handy in that situation if it arises.

Next: What Will The Brewers Infield Of The Future Look Like?

If all pans out and these players live up to their projections, the Milwaukee Brewers are in for quite an amazing show in the outfield.  Without a doubt, these prospects will have huge roles in this future playoff team.