Milwaukee Brewers Draft: Joseph Gray gets added to the outfield mix

The Milwaukee Brewers added to their stable of outfielders by selecting Joseph Gray with the 60th overall pick in the 2018 draft.

The Milwaukee Brewers clearly chose talent over need as they went with a crowded position in the outfield. However, the organization will look to mold the young yet promising high schooler as a future contributor.

Player Profile

Joe Gray profiles as an all-around contributor according to multiple reports. He has raw power at the plate and has shown the ability to hit with it to all fields. He also displays absurd bat speed in the box, only hyping up his potential at the dish. The 18 year old clocked in at 6’3” 195 pounds, potentially increasing his peak power production once able to add onto that large frame.

Gray adds speed on the bases, recording a 6.6 60 yard dash, significantly better than average for high school seniors. Those covering him rave about his athleticism, unusual to see with a player as big as him at a young age. Gray has the potential to be a threat with his speed, yet may lose a step once trainers get their hands on him and he fills out that frame.

The Future For Gray

The prep high schooler also looks to be a contributor defensively, too. Although he played mostly center field in high school, Gray has the tools to be more of a right fielder. His power at the plate and elite arm strength scream right fielder more than center. His athleticism is a plus in the outfield, possibly projecting Gray to be a future defensive stalwart in right.

Joe Gray comes with a few concerns even though he was highly touted coming out of Mississippi. Gray’s strikeouts are the most worrisome aspect of his game. At 6’3”, a hitter offers up holes in his swing that lead to swing-and-miss tendencies. If a player falls prone to striking out at the high school level, imagine what will happen when facing top tier pitching each time out. Gray also struggled against the exceptional pitchers on the showcase circuit, an unfortunate projection for the future.

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Obviously, at 18 years old, Gray is what most high school athletes are: promising but not polished. Although there are many other needs, the Brewers clearly liked him enough to add him into a mix of exceptional outfielders. The Milwaukee Brewers have a lot to work with in Gray, and a lot of time to do it.