Milwaukee Brewers: Who were the best players at Single-A?

Who had the best 2019 season with the Milwaukee Brewers Single-A affiliate? Let’s take a look at the best hitter and pitcher for the 2019 Wisconsin Timber Rattlers

Single-A is the great equalizer in Minor League baseball. It’s often where a lot of careers get started, but it’s also where a lot of top players find out that professional baseball isn’t for them.

The Milwaukee Brewers Single-A affiliate had a few individuals who are clearly ready to move up in 2020.

Who had the best year at the plate for the Timber Rattlers?

Do you remember how catcher David Fry put together a solid 2018 season at Rookie ball? Fry continued his career in 2019 with the Milwaukee Brewers Single-A affiliate, and showed similar power and run production with the Timber Rattlers.

Fry managed to lead the Timber Rattlers in most offensive categories. He slashed .258/.329/.444 in 134 games in Single-A. He bashed 17 homers, hit 41 doubles, and drove in 70 runs. Fry also stole seven bases in 11 attempts.

Fry also played all over the diamond in 2019, literally. He spent most of the year at catcher, first base, and DH, but he also spent at least one inning in the field at all three outfield positions, shortstop, second base, and third base.

Fry is a bit over-aged for Single-A. He turns 24 in two months despite only being less than two years removed from the 2018 draft. Fry should make the move to High-A with and eye towards getting the call to Double-A before the end of the year. The Milwaukee Brewers have been slow to promote Fry, but he’s turned in quality seasons at the levels he’s played at. However, 2020 will be time for him to sink or swim in the upper Minors.

An honorable mention goes to 2018 first rounder, Brice Turang. Slashing .287/.384/.376 at Single-A earned Turang a mid-season promotion to High-A. Turang also hit two homers, and stole 21 bases in 25 attempts.

Who was the best pitcher in Single-A in 2019?

2017 draftee Max Lazar finally earned a promotion to Single-A, and didn’t waste any time. Lazar posted a 2.39 ERA in 79 innings for the Milwaukee Brewers Single-A affiliate. He struck out 109, walked only 15, and was tagged for five homers.

Lazar has been in the Milwaukee Brewers organization for three years, but only turned 20 this summer. Lazar signed with the Brewers out of high school in 2017 after turning down a full ride at Florida Atlantic University.

Standing at 6’3″, Lazar should continue to add strength as he matures, and could still add velocity. He currently profiles similarly to 2019 first rounder Ethan Small. Both have impressive command, but have limited velocity. Lazar’s fastball is said to top out in the high 80’s, but he has solid secondary offerings, and excellent movement.

Lazar will likely make the move to High-A in 2020, and should start appearing on top-30 lists of the Milwaukee Brewers top prospects.