Milwaukee Brewers: What’s the timetable for Tristen Lutz?

The Milwaukee Brewers have a glut of outfielders at the upper levels of their organization. However, there is one name that hasn’t made it out of Rookie ball that fans need to keep an eye on.

Tristen Lutz had committed to the University of Texas, but was believed to want to sign if he went in the first few rounds of the 2017 Major League Baseball First-Year Player Draft. The Milwaukee Brewers selected Lutz in Competitive Balance Round A with the 34th overall pick. He signed above slot with a signing bonus just over $2.3 million a few days after the draft.

How did Lutz do in his first season as a pro?

Very well. Splitting time between two Rookie League teams, Lutz slashed .311/.398/.559 in 187 plate appearances. He bashed nine homers, while stealing three bases in seven attempts. In 40 total games played, Lutz struck out 42 times, he also drew 16 walks.

The numbers look good, but what about the tools?

The tools that had Lutz shooting up draft boards in the weeks before the draft showed up. He flashed the impressive raw power and plus throwing arm that have scouts projecting him to become the Milwaukee Brewers right fielder of the future. The guy the Brewers drafted in June showed up in July and August.

How far away is Lutz at this point?

Lutz hasn’t turned 20 years old yet. He’s probably ticked to Low-A to start the 2018 season. There’s nothing left for him to do in the Rookie League. How long he stays there depends on how he produces. It’s clear that the physical tools are there, and he excelled against other recent draftees. Now it’s time to see what he can do as he climbs the ladder.

Fans won’t see Lutz in a Milwaukee Brewers uniform until 2021 at the earliest. However, it’s conceivable that Lutz could still be blocked by Lewis Brinson, Brett Phillips or Domingo Santana. The Brewers have A LOT of young outfield talent.

Next: Which prospects are invited to Spring Training?

Lutz is definitely an intriguing prospect, but he still has a long way to go before he reaches the Majors. Keep an eye on where he falls in the next few rounds of prospect lists. If he starts to inch up into the top five in the organization, that means he could make it to Milwaukee sooner rather than later.