Milwaukee Brewers 2020 Top 25 Prospects List: Nos. 1-5

2. OF Tristen Lutz

Tristen Lutz is hoping to become the next star player from the Brewers 2017 Draft class, with the first one already being Keston Hiura, selected in the first round. Lutz was the Crew’s next selection at No. 34 overall in Competitive Balance Round A.

A high school bat, the Brewers kept Lutz away from his University of Texas commitment, going well over slot. Hiura had the best hit tool of the two, but Lutz has better power.

While his in-game power hasn’t shown up quite as much as hoped – 35 HRs combined in three seasons – Lutz is still young for the level he was at in High-A last year and won’t turn 22 until August. He’s shown a great extra-base ability, and those doubles will turn into home runs as he continues to mature and get stronger.

In his career so far, Lutz has just over 1,000 ABs, with a .260/.339/.442 slash line, 62 doubles, 10 triples, and 35 homers. He’s also struck out 31% of the time.

Lutz can still hold down centerfield, as he’s an effective runner, but isn’t overly fast which could hurt his chances of staying at the position in the future. In all likelihood, Lutz will move to one of the corner spots where his power and hitting profile works perfectly. He has a strong throwing arm, which will give him the chance to play in right field, instead of being limited to just left field.

After spending all of last season in High-A Carolina, Lutz is likely heading to Double-A Biloxi as a 21 year old. If he can continue to improve and see his power tick up, Lutz has the makings of a quality big league outfielder.