Milwaukee Brewers: What did they see in Micah Bello?

The Milwaukee Brewers made Micah Bello the 73rd overall selection in the 2018 Major League Baseball draft. Why?

Micah Bello hasn’t even turned 18 years old yet. He hails from Hilo, Hawaii, and has played most of his career on the island. Bello did impress during the Area Code Games last summer, and in the Perfect Game BBWA last fall. But was that really enough to warrant the 73rd overall pick?

What does Bello do well?

Actually, there’s a lot to like when looking into Bello’s skillset. He’s the kind of toolsy outfielder that the Milwaukee Brewers can’t seem to stop drafting. He doesn’t have the raw power of Keon Broxton or Corey Ray, but he is one of the fastest players in the Brewers organization, and he showed solid contact and plate skills. Bello also offers impressive range, and should develop into a quality defender. He also boasts an above average arm. Like we said, toolsy.

Will Bello sign?

The Milwaukee Brewers drafted Bello because they think he’ll sign. It would come as a shock to see Bello in college next spring and not in the Brewers Minor League camp. He is committed to St. Mary’s, but a few dollars over slot could likely change his mind.

Could the Brewers have done better?

That depends really. If Bello develops into a top of the order table setter and is playing alongside Lorenzo Cain and Christian Yelich in Miller Park, then probably not. If he flames out after a few seasons in the Minors, and was only taken because the Brewers knew he would sign, then yes.

Next: What happened to the 2013 draft class?

The organization employed a similar strategy last year when they drafted Caden Lemons in the second round. Lemons is still only 19 years old, but he only has 2 2/3 innings of professional baseball under his belt. It’s clear that the team is taking their time with Lemons. Expect a similar strategy with Bello.