Brewers: Joey Wiemer – Milwaukee’s fast rising outfield prospect

Pretty much ever since David Stearns took over the Milwaukee Brewers, there has been a focus on the outfield depth. Stearns has never felt like he has had enough outfielders and has always been on the lookout for more.

Going into the 2020 MLB Draft that was shortened to five rounds, Stearns once again focused on the outfield, selecting a well known college producer in Garrett Mitchell in the first round. Then he doubled down on the position in the fourth round with a lesser known college product in Joey Wiemer.

Let’s profile what the Milwaukee Brewers have in Joey Wiemer, a prospect that’s quickly rising up organizational rankings.

Brewers outfield prospect Joey Wiemer

Hit tool: 40 Grade | Power: 55 Grade | Run: 55 Grade | Arm: 70 Grade | Field: 50 Grade

Joey Wiemer was the 121st overall pick in the 2020 draft out of the University of Cincinnati. This particular prospect was right up David Stearns alley – a toolsy outfielder with a frame that would suggest additional power could be tapped into. After a stolen year of minor league play last season, the former Cincinnati Bearcat has hit the ground running, earning a promotion to the A+ Wisconsin Timber Rattlers.

The 2020 4th round pick has posted an impressive .301/.400/.543 slash line with 22 homers, 28 stolen bases, and 52 walks in just 359 at-bats across Low-A and High-A.

Joey Wiemer has right field written all over him with his 6-foot-5, 215 pound frame, above average speed and 70 grade arm. Wiemer was a college closer at Cincinnati and can throw up to 98 MPH, an arm like that will profile just fine in right field.

Offensively, his raw power ranks among the highest in the entire Brewers system. He does have a bit of an obscure batting stance (he’s been compared to Hunter Pence), but it just seems to work. Milwaukee has cut down on the massive leg kick he had in college and replaced it with a toe tap and that seems to have done the trick for him.

Analytically, his exit velocity and launch angle suggest that this breakout is no mistake. The tools he has, coupled with the raw power and rapid rate of development definitely makes for an intriguing outfield prospect for the Brewers.

Joey Wiemer is going to be a name to continue monitoring moving forward, as the young outfielder has gone from relative unknown to possible organizational minor league player of the year in just one season.

He may be ranked 23rd right now, but don’t be shocked if he climbs into the top 10 as early as next season – this is both a player and system on the rise.