Milwaukee Brewers Prospects: #20 Kodi Medeiros

In 2014, the Milwaukee Brewers selected an 18 year old from Hawaii named Kodi Medeiros with their first round pick.

Now, at 21 years old, the southpaw has shown many signs of improvement after a few shaky seasons. His rank of 20th is up three spots from his 23rd ranking in 2017. Medeiros has spent each of the last two seasons at the Advanced A level of the Milwaukee Brewers organization.

As Medeiros enters his fifth professional season, he is a lot more comfortable than when he first started. That is something he spoke with Reviewing the Brew about a couple months ago, which can be read here.

Player Profile

One thing that has remained very consistent to any scout watching Medeiros is that he has great bat missing ability. His slider is his best weapon right now, with a grade of 60. Because of his natural movement, heavy fastball, and unique delivery, there is a lot of buzz around this prospect. That is, if he can find his control.

Medeiros has a fastball that will top out in the mid 90’s, and he compliments that with his slider and a changeup that sinks and fades. But his control is questionable. 3.7 BB/9 is his career best mark, which is not great. With his control in order, the Milwaukee Brewers believe they have a dynamic starting pitching prospect.

Performance

As stated, things are looking up for Medeiros. His numbers look a lot worse than his performance, as evidence by his 4.98 ERA and 3.93 FIP. The numbers don’t lie, and he is getting better. He posted career best marks in walks per nine, left on base percentage, strikeouts, and innings pitched. The numbers are not great or impressive, but they are a lot better.

One concerning number is his 20 hit batsmen and 12 wild pitches in 2017. But it really is not a secret that his control is something important to work on. Right now, that control grade is at 40. There is a reason for that.

How Does He Project?

The Brewers still think they have a starter on their hands. To be fair, they will if he can get his control in order. But the thing is that it is not there right now. Medeiros has been used in relief roles, and his profile does state that he can be an impact reliever in the MLB.

Next: Prospects: #21 KJ Harrison

Right now, I think he looks to be a reliever in the future. It is not clear if his control is improving. Though his walks were at a career low, his other control numbers were the worst his career has seen. I like Medeiros a lot as a prospect, and I think he will make an excellent relief arm down the road, but starting is still questionable.