Milwaukee Brewers: Ranking the top 20 prospects

14- Marcos Diplan RHP (15)

Diplan has struggled this season with the Carolina Mud Cats. Had he continued on his same trajectory from years prior, he would be a top 10 prospect for the Milwaukee Brewers. Unfortunately, 50 walks in 93 2/3 innings this season has stunted his progress a little.

Diplan combines a plus slider and fastball with a below average change-up. He is graded as below average for control, but has shown solid command of the strike zone. For his career in the Minor Leagues, Diplan is 22-14 in 53 starts. He also has a 2.13:1 strikeout to walk ratio. Those are solid numbers for anybody.

He throws his fastball in the mid 90’s with late movement. His true weapon is his slider and he uses it well. He has the potential to become a very good starting pitcher. If he can’t put it together as a starter, Diplan should have no problem having success in the bullpen.

Acquired as part of the Yovani Gallardo trade in 2015, along with Luis Sardinas and Corey Knebel, Diplan has a long way to go before reaching the majors. Knebel has paid huge dividends for the Milwaukee Brewers already. There’s nothing to show that Diplan won’t do the same.

13- Trent Clark OF (13)

Expectations were high when the Milwaukee Brewers used the 15th pick in 2015 to draft Clark. Unfortunately, after a solid debut season, he struggled to stay healthy in year two.

Having above average speed and fielding ability, Clark can make plays in the outfield. However, he doesn’t posses a very strong throwing arm. His best chance to make it to the majors will be as a center fielder. With that speed, he could be a huge asset down the line for the Milwaukee Brewers.

This season, playing for Carolina, Clark has a .234/.366/.383 line. That’s not all that impressive, but it’s what he does when he reaches base that can turn heads. He has 27 stolen bases in 32 attempts this season. For his career in the minors, he has 57 stolen bases in 80 attempts. A 71% success rate is definitely tantalizing.

Unfortunately, he is part of an overcrowded outfield in Milwaukee’s farm system. That’s not always a bad thing. This allows him the time to learn the craft of hitting better, while sharpening his other tools. The place to keep an eye out for his name will be in trade talks. A player with his combination of youth and speed will be in demand.