Milwaukee Brewers: Looking Ahead To The 2019 MLB Draft

With the NFL Draft in the rearview mirror, the next major sports draft coming up the 2019 MLB Draft. We’ll take an initial look at how the Milwaukee Brewers could approach this draft.

Now that the Milwaukee Brewers have made the jump from rebuilding franchise to World Series contender, fan interest in the amateur draft may go down a little because the importance of prospects in the minors isn’t as high. But the Draft is still extremely important as the Brewers will want to continue this success beyond the current championship window.

How do they do that? By successfully restocking the farm system with prospects that can make an impact at the big league level to replace some of the players they may lose in free agency. The easiest way to do that, is through the Draft.

When is the 2019 MLB Draft?

The 2019 MLB Draft will take place from June 3-5 in Secaucus, New Jersey at MLB Network’s studios. The first two rounds will take place on June 3rd. Rounds 3-10 will be on June 4th, and Rounds 11-40 will be on June 5th.

What selections do the Milwaukee Brewers have?

The Milwaukee Brewers hold the 28th overall pick in the MLB Draft this year. Their 96-67 record last year, best in the National League, ensured they would have a late first round pick.

While the Crew did hold the 41st overall selection in Competitive Balance Round A, they traded that selection to the Texas Rangers for reliever Alex Claudio.

They also forfeited their third-round selection when they signed Yasmani Grandal to a contract back in January. That selection would’ve been 104th overall.

So on the first night of the Draft, the Brewers will have the 28th and 65th overall selections, their first and second round choices. They won’t pick again until 133 overall, in the fourth round.

What is the Milwaukee Brewers Draft Bonus Pool?

The Brewers possess the second-lowest bonus pool in this year’s draft, with a pool of $5,148,200. The only team with a lower bonus pool is the Boston Red Sox. Losing two draft picks within the first three rounds is going to do that to you. Normally the Brewers have had large bonus pools in recent years, but with later selections, the value just isn’t as high.

Who are some of the top prospects in the 2019 MLB Draft?

Catcher Adley Rutschman of Oregon State is widely expected to go No. 1 overall to the Baltimore Orioles. Prep shortstop Bobby Witt, Jr. is also expected to be an early selection. With the 28th overall pick being their first selection, the Milwaukee Brewers stand no chance of landing either of those players.

Which prospects could be in play for the Brewers at 28 overall?

On MLB Pipeline’s Top 50 Draft prospects list, they have NC State shortstop Will Wilson listed as their 28th best prospect. This may not actually reflect the Brewers draft board, but he’s a guy that could be there.

In one of Baseball America’s latest Mock Drafts, they have the Brewers possibly bearing down on prep lefty Hunter Barco. Barco has a deceptive, funky delivery that makes him tough to hit, and that would seem to fall in line with the type of lefties the Brewers currently possess, i.e. Claudio, Josh Hader, Donnie Hart, and Brent Suter. All four of those guys have deceptive, funky deliveries.

For the last four years, the Milwaukee Brewers have selected a hitter with their first selection, with the last first round pitcher being Kodi Medeiros back in 2014. Will Scouting Director Tod Johnson finally break that trend and select a pitcher in the first round, or will he continue with a fifth straight position player?

We’ll find out on June 3rd.

For a small market team like the Milwaukee Brewers, getting homegrown talent is key to keeping a successful franchise. There have been some poor drafts in the early-mid 2010s, but that trend looks to be changing.