4 Brewers prospects honored with All-Star awards in first full professional seasons

The Milwaukee Brewers have one of the best farm systems in Major League Baseball, filled with talent at every level. From prospects already making an impact in the big leagues, to those on the cusp of making their MLB dreams come true, to others just beginning their professional journeys, the organization is loaded with exciting prospects.

This year’s group of players starting in Low-A Carolina, where most prospects were playing their first full professional seasons, was one of the most exciting in all of baseball. The roster featured standout names like INF Jesús Made, INF Luis Peña, OF Braylon Payne, 1B Eric Bitonti, RHP Josh Knoth, and RHP Bryce Meccage.

From that group, Made, Peña, and Bitonti performed at an All-Star level in the Carolina League, earning official recognition from Minor League Baseball and the Carolina Mudcats earlier this week. Joining them was 19-year-old pitcher Melvin Hernandez, who also received All-Star honors for his standout season on the mound.

4 Milwaukee Brewers prospects honored with Carolina League All-Star honors in first full professional seasons

INF Jesús Made

18-year-old Jesus Made did a little bit of everything for the Mudcats throughout his 83 games in Low-A this season. He played second base, shortstop, and third base while slashing .267/.373/.388 with 53 walks and 40 stolen bases. He earned a promotion to High-A Wisconsin in early August and recently joined the Biloxi Shuckers in Double-A for the final stretch of the regular season and playoffs.

INF Luis Peña

Like Made, Luis Peña put up insane numbers in the Dominican Summer League in 2024 and was a highly talked-about prospect entering 2025. He too lived up to the expectations placed on him by slashing .308/.375/.469 with 41 stolen bases with the Mudcats while also manning second base and shortstop. He was promoted to High-A at the same time as Made, but first made a huge impact in Carolina, earning All-Star honors.

1B Eric Bitonti

Eric Bitonti, the Brewers’ third-round pick in 2023, made a strong impression in his first full season by showcasing his powerful left-handed swing. He led the Carolina League in both home runs (19) and RBI (77) over 118 games. The 6'4", 19-year-old spent nearly all of his defensive innings at first base, with just a handful at third. While his 33.5% strikeout rate remains a concern, his advanced power at such a young age is a clear sign of his high ceiling.

RHP Melvin Hernandez

19-year-old Melvin Hernandez spent the entire season at Low-A, but his performance made it clear he’s ready for the next challenge. Over 24 appearances (including 17 starts) and 121.2 innings, he posted a stellar 2.00 ERA, held opponents to a .217 batting average, and allowed just three home runs all season. Hernandez ranked second in the Carolina League in wins (10) and fifth in strikeouts (97), solidifying himself as one of the league’s most dominant arms.

Earning All-Star honors is no small feat, and these four Brewers certainly earned the recognition. As they advance through the minor league system and face tougher, more experienced competition, their progress will be something to watch closely.