5 Brewers prospects that could easily be stolen in the upcoming Rule 5 Draft

Decisions have consequences and the Milwaukee Brewers made theirs on Tuesday with their Rule 5 Draft protections. They protected their top eligible pitching prospect in Logan Henderson, and they protected Chad Patrick, who the Triple-A International League pitcher of the year award.

There should be absolutely no qualms with protecting either of those two players on the 40 man roster. Henderson was a virtual lock heading in after his strong season in 2024 and Patrick was an under-the-radar prospect that had an outstanding year to earn that roster spot. If left unprotected, both would've been highly likely to be selected in the Rule 5 Draft in early December.

However, they weren't the only Rule 5 eligible prospects from the Brewers organization that could hold some value to other teams. Milwaukee hasn't lost a player to the major league portion of the Rule 5 Draft since Miguel Diaz in 2016. That might change with one of these players this year.

These five Brewers prospects are at risk of selection in Rule 5 Draft after 40-man roster choices

Shane Smith, RHP

Shane Smith had a really strong season in 2024, converting from the bullpen to the rotation seamlessly, posting a 3.05 ERA in 94.1 IP with 113 strikeouts while working his way up to Triple-A. Smith went undrafted in 2020 out of Wake Forest and he has upper minors experience that could make him very attractive to teams needing pitching help. Plus the Brewers have a reputation for developing pitchers and teams may want to get their hands on one of their successful projects.

Coleman Crow, RHP

Crow was acquired in the Tyrone Taylor trade last offseason and spent most of 2024 rehabbing from Tommy John surgery. The stuff he showed pre-injury was very good and he was getting close to the big leagues. It would've been too risky to protect him, but another team may see an opportunity to stash a talented, young pitcher. They can have him on the IL and continue to rehab if necessary to give him some time. It'd be tough for any team to carry him as a healthy option all season, which means he could very well be returned down the road if he's selected.

Justin Yeager, RHP

Acquired in the William Contreras trade, Yeager had a solid and healthy season in 2024 and has the upper minors experience as a reliever that could help him make an easy transition to the big leagues. It's much easier for a reliever to be stashed in a bullpen and earn opportunities throughout the year and stick on the roster. Yeager is 26 years old and could be of interest to teams seeking cheap bullpen depth.

Russell Smith, LHP

Left handed pitchers are always in high demand, and the towering 6'7" Russell Smith just put together his best season as a professional in 2024 with Double-A Biloxi. Smith had a 2.79 ERA out of the bullpen for the Shuckers, striking out a batter per inning. His fastball isn't overpowering, however. While the jump straight from Double-A to the Majors is a tough one, teams are willing to make that leap with certain types of players and left handed relievers are certainly one of those categories.

Wes Clarke, C/1B/LF

Wes Clarke is one of a number of Brewers corner infielders at the upper levels of the minors. He was promoted to Triple-A early in 2024 and he put up some solid numbers for a prototypical power profile. He hit 21 homers with a .244/.344/.468 slash line and 144 strikeouts. The strikeouts are a concern, it's a power-over-hit profile, but he can draw walks pretty well, has plenty of power in an off-the-bench role, and his defensive versatility to play first base or corner outfielder or catch in a pinch could convince a team to take a flier on him.