Milwaukee Brewers: Checking in on Kodi Medeiros

Back in 2014, the Milwaukee Brewers selected a left handed pitcher out of high school named Kodi Medeiros.

At the time of selection the Milwaukee Brewers got one of the most highly touted arms in the draft last year. Medeiros committed to Pepperdine University in California, but forwent that to start his professional career.

Now, three years later, the Brewers hope to start seeing the payoff from their high school decision. So far, he pitched his way to Advanced A Carolina. Throughout his early years Medeiros has found his share of struggles. In his career, he is throwing for a 5.19 ERA. Smooth sailing is far from his career to this point.

However, he is still only 21. And he shows his potential through control. He has excellent walk numbers and 305 strikeouts in his professional career. With plenty of time to get better, anything positive can show what kind of help he can provide to the organization.

While he has not had a standout year, or anything of that nature, it is important to take everything into account. Of his 84 appearances, 60 have been starts. It is hard to mentally prepare for an ever changing role.

Besides, sometimes it takes some time to figure out. Some players can pick up the learning curve quickly, like Clayton Kershaw who was also drafted out of high school. But some just need to learn the ropes a bit.

There is a very solid track record for lefties, such as Medeiros, to be very successful in the MLB. Kershaw is just the tip of the iceberg. Add in names like Madison Bumgarner, Cole Hamels, and CC Sabathia, the excitement should continue to build.

Currently, the big framed Medeiros sits as the number 23 ranked prospect in the organization. MLB Pipeline describes the struggles as a mechanical issue. The movement and deception on his fastball stemmed from his arm slot. However, in the last few seasons, the arm slot is different. The original low three quarters has dropped, causing the movement to disappear.

Overall, things are very positive for Medeiros and his future with the Milwaukee Brewers. If he can work through the mechanical issue, he possess a dominant fastball with a wipeout slider. He can add in a changeup for good measure as well. But based on the already present mechanical issues, he will be more successful out of a bullpen role moving forward.

The other possible issue here is suppressed pain. For a guy drafted out of high school, it is important for scouts to see repeatable mechanics. So if it is part of the delivery failing him, a lot of times there is pain. Usually, with arm slot issues it is in the elbow. That is something to keep an eye on.

Next: Finding the perfect trade with the Royals

Medeiros is still looking to be a great pitcher for the Milwaukee Brewers, however. In fact, the MLB Pipeline ETA puts him up sometime next season. While his struggles in Advanced A ball make that hard to believe, it is possible if he can be truly dominant.