Milwaukee Brewers: Competitive Balance draft pick history

The Competitive Balance picks have been announced for the 2018 draft, and the Milwaukee Brewers pulled a selection in the B round. It is the 74th overall pick.

These selections are meant to do exactly what they sound like. Smaller markets will get these picks after either the first or second round in order to stay competitive against the teams who can spend more. So far, the Milwaukee Brewers are yet to see the benefits.

During the 2012 Collective Bargaining Agreement is when these Competative Balance picks were agreed on. That means the first year for it was the 2013 draft. Since then the Brewers have been given two B round picks, and the rest have been A round. To read more into the formula on how these picks are assigned, read here.

There are plenty of these picks populating Milwaukee’s top 30 prospect list, however some are less involved than that. But, each pick seemed to be the right one at the time.

Tucker Neuhaus, 2013

Neuhaus is only 22 years old, despite being in the system since 2013 as a Competitive Balance round B. He is a .246 career hitter, though seems to be improving. Though he didn’t have the average during his first full season in full A ball in 2017, he has potential. If he can cut down on strikeouts, he will be a lot more successful.

Jake Gatewood, 2014

It has been a positional carousel for Gatewood since being a Competitive Balance A pick for the Milwaukee Brewers. He finally is settled into first base, which fits his 6’5″ frame well. He has emerged in recent years, however still has growing to do. As the 18th ranked prospect there is still time to shine.

Nathan Kirby, 2015

Kirby is the most interesting case. At one time considered a top 10 talent for his draft class. However, after a lat injury hindered his late college career he slipped to Competitive Balance. But, that injury bug bit him again. After 12 innings in 2015, UCL issues took over and he has not pitched in a game since.

Mario Feliciano, 2016

As the other Competitive Balance round B pick, Feliciano is proving to be a solid decision. He sits currently as the number 25 prospect. The catcher showed the ability to keep the line moving, striking out only 72 times in 104 games. Though he hit only .251 with four homers.

Tristen Lutz, 2017

After being selecting in the A round, there was a lot of excitement around this bat coming out of high school. Lutz answered the call to the tune of .311 batting average across two rookie leagues. As the number eight prospect in the organization there are high hopes from the 19 year old.

Next: Taking Calls On All Outfielders?

This is a talented group. Once they start to join the MLB ranks then the Competitive Balance round will help the Milwaukee Brewers. Until then, they are doing a great job competing as is. Between injuries and age this group will eventually make a splash if things can go well.