Brewers: Complete grades of their 2021 MLB Draft Class

The 2021 MLB Draft concluded on Tuesday and the Milwaukee Brewers selected 21 players in the 20 round format to add to the organization.

The Brewers had quite the mix of hitters and pitchers and went heavy on college players until the final day of the draft. You can check out our draft class and signing bonus tracker as well.

None of these players have officially signed yet but the majority of them will soon. While final grades won’t be determined for a few years, let’s look at the initial grades for each Brewers draft pick.

Brewers 2021 MLB Draft grades: 1st round (15th overall): Sal Frelick, OF, Boston College

Seen as a clear member of the 2nd tier of college hitters in this draft, Sal Frelick wasn’t connected much to the Brewers through the draft process, but they were excited to land him. Frelick has a lot of the traits the Brewers have loved in recent years, including a strong hit tool, good defense, and an ability to play in the middle of the field.

The Brewers essentially doubled down in centerfield after selecting Garrett Mitchell in the first round in 2020 even though this selection is in no way related at all to Mitchell.

Frelick won’t hit for too much power, but is speedy and can fit more in the leadoff spot as a table-setter.

There were a number of options on the board, including prep shortstop Kahlil Watson, who many expected to go much higher and a far better overall talent, and a bevy of college arms, but the Brewers chose a safer pick in Frelick. When we look back on this draft class a few years from now, we can decide who would’ve been the best choice based on hindsight.

But for right now, the focus should be on who Frelick is as a player and what he brings to the table, which is a solid toolset.

Grade: B

Brewers 2021 MLB Draft Grades: Comp A Round (33rd overall): Tyler Black, 2B, Wright State

Another advanced college hitter with a strong hit tool. Black played second base this year for Wright State, but he was their third baseman last year. He made the move after undergoing shoulder surgery for a torn labrum in 2020. The shorter throwing distance helped his arm recover although towards the end of the season he said his arm was feeling 100%.

Perhaps Black could be a third baseman going forward, which the Brewers certainly need. Black can hit, and although he doesn’t have huge home run power, he can punish the baseball.

The bat is the carrying tool for him, and he hit extremely well for Wright State in 2021, posting a .383/.496/.683 slash line. He’s the type of polished bat that could move quickly through the farm system.

Grade: A-