Milwaukee Brewers: Could they draft Will Banfield?

Will Banfield isn’t just the best high school catcher in the 2018 Draft. He’s probably the best catching prospect available in the entire draft. Should the Milwaukee Brewers call his name if he’s on the board at pick #21?

High school catchers are almost as difficult to predict as high school pitchers. Most guys either don’t develop into a ‘catcher’s body’ or they flame out or injuries take their toll. Will Banfield has a chance to be different.

How good is Banfield?

Defensively? He’s possibly the most mature high school catcher in draft history. Banfield is only 18 years, six months old and he grades out as a ‘special defensive catcher in just about every way imaginable. He has a cannon for an arm, quick feet, and excellent athleticism behind the plate. His framing skills are already rated at ‘pro’ level. Judging just by his defense alone, he should see a Major League roster in the not-too-distant future.

What about his bat?

It’s solid with room to grow. This is the spot that Banfield could struggle in the Minors. He’s rated at above-average bat speed with impressive raw power potential. How he develops his knowledge of the strike zone, and makes adjustments as he rises through the ranks will get him to the Majors or keep him stuck in the lower levels.

Could the Brewers take him at #21?

It’s possible. Very few recent mock drafts have Banfield in the first round, but most scouts say he’s a top 20 talent. He’s still an option until another team takes him, but it’s possible that the Milwaukee Brewers could snag him with the 21st pick.

Next: Should They Deal For Cole Hamels?

The Milwaukee Brewers are surprisingly thin at catcher throughout their organization. Manny Pina and Jett Bandy aren’t long term solutions. Josh Nottingham is looking more and more like an organizational guy instead of a ‘catcher-of-the-future’. KJ Harrison looks solid, but he’s still with the Wisconsin Timber Rattlers. Drafting Banfield would strengthen an organizational weakness. If Banfield is available at pick #21, he could become a tempting option for the Milwaukee Brewers.