Milwaukee Brewers: Which three prospects impressed during Spring Training?

The Milwaukee Brewers were able to look at most of their top prospects in Major League camp this Spring. However, these three made a real impact, and should have fans excited for the future.

Spring Training isn’t just for veterans looking to shake off the rust and refine their swing or delivery. It’s also a time for prospects to get a look against competition that may or may not be better than what they’ll see in Double-A or Triple-A.

The Milwaukee Brewers had several of their top prospects in camp, but these three were head and shoulders above the rest.

Which former first rounder continued to rebuild his value?

Corey Ray enjoyed a solid season in Double-A last year, but he’ll need to take it up a notch in Triple-A this year if he wants to reach the Majors. If his time in Spring Training is any indication Ray should get off to a fast start this year.

Ray slashed .255/.308/.532 in 24 games played this Spring. He slammed a pair of homers early, racked up five doubles and one triple, and stole three bases in five attempts. Ray did strikeout 17 times, and only walked four times, but he’s continued to flash the athleticism that made him a the Brewers’ top selection in the 2016 amateur draft.

The fact that Ray stuck around in Major League camp for the majority of the Spring shows that the team is still really high on him, and he should arrive in Milwaukee before the end of the season.

Which prospect impressed at the plate, but still needs work in the field?

Keston Hiura is the future at second base for the Milwaukee Brewers. Hiura slashed .250/.327/.523 in 24 games in Major League camp. He hit three homers, drove in 14 runs, and even stole two bases.

While Hiura’s bat is just about Major League ready, he could still use some work with the glove. He played 75 innings at second base this Spring, and committed three errors.

Hiura will start the year in Triple-A, but he’ll be up with the Milwaukee Brewers as soon as he gains a bit more experience in the field. The good news is that there’s no reason to rush Hiura to the Majors. Mike Moustakas played 74 innings in the field this Spring, and played most of them at second base. He committed two errors, but appeared passable as long as he hits. Hiura has it mostly figured out at the plate, but needs to become more consistent in the field before he gets the call.

Was there another former first rounder who looked good?

Did you know that Trent Grisham is only 22 years old? It feels like he’s been around since forever, but he won’t turn 23 until November.

Grisham has struggled at points in his career in the Milwaukee Brewers’ organization, but he turned in a solid Spring Training. Grisham appeared in 17 games and slashed .379/.429/.655. He blasted a pair of homers, drove in four runs, and scored four times. He also walked twice and struck out nine times. He also logged a pair of doubles.

Grisham spent all of 2018 in Double-A, and could likely start his 2019 season there. However, he won’t be there for long. Grisham should reach Triple-A this year, and he’s still young enough to still have a lengthy career in the Majors. The Milwaukee Brewers have been waiting for a sign that Grisham is figuring out what it takes to succeed at the plate. His hot Spring season could be a sign that he’s truly turned a corner.