3 Brewers draft picks from 2024 who already look like huge steals

It’s still early, but a few of the Brewers' 2024 draft picks are already turning heads. Just one month into their professional careers, three standout selections are showing the kind of talent and performance that could make them steals of last year's draft class.

3 Brewers draft picks from 2024 who already look like huge steals

OF Braylon Payne

Last year, the Brewers made a surprising selection by taking Payne, one of the youngest and fastest players in the draft, 17th overall for well under slot value. At 18 years old, he's off to a fantastic start in Low-A Carolina. Through 90 at-bats, he has an .800 OPS, 14 stolen bases, 20 runs scored, and 17 walks to 27 strikeouts.

Given Payne’s youth, dynamic tools, and strong early production, it’s becoming increasingly clear why the Brewers’ gamble on him could turn into a major win. While power may be the final piece of his offensive development, he’s already showing flashes of being an electric player by consistently making hard contact and causing havoc on the basepaths. For now, his speed, energy, and advanced approach make him one of the most exciting young talents in the system.

While it may seem counterintuitive to call a first-round pick a steal, by taking Payne, the Brewers saved over $1 million in bonus pool money that allowed them to sign promising high school pitcher Bryce Meccage and offer an intriguing signing bonus to another prep arm, Chris Levonas, who ultimately turned it down.

RHP Bryce Meccage

Similar to Payne, Meccage was another prep player taken in the early rounds of the 2024 draft. He was selected 57th overall and has shined so far in Low-A Carolina. Meccage has made five starts, tossed 16.1 innings, has a 2.20 ERA, has held opposing batters to a .140 average, and has 0.86 WHIP.

19-year-old Meccage is attacking hitters with a fastball that can reach 97.5 MPH. Hitters haven't been able to touch it, as he hasn't given up more than two hits in an outing yet and recently set a career best in strikeouts in a single game with seven.

RHP John Holobetz

Despite being a fifth-round selection last year, John Holobetz did not have a lot of collegiate accolades or pedigree. Rather, the junior was coming off a season where he had a 4.31 ERA at Old Dominion and had more innings pitched (61.2) than strikeouts (52).

Since starting his professional career, the 22-year-old has reversed those numbers. In Low-A Carolina, Holobetz has made five appearances, thrown 24.0 innings, and struck out 31 batters. Four of his outings have gone five or more innings, and he's had games of eight and nine strikeouts. In his eight-strikeout outing, Holobetz fanned the first eight batters he faced. Don't be surprised if Holobetz is making starts for the High-A Wisconsin Timber Rattlers by the end of the season.

Other Brewers draft picks from that class that are excelling include catcher Marco Dinges, pitcher Tyson Hardin, as noted by Reviewing the Brew's Tremayne Person early last week. However, the early returns on Payne, Meccage, and Holobetz are also hard to ignore.