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All-teenager infield fueling this Brewers minor league affiliate's impressive start

The Milwaukee Brewers’ Low-A affiliate is stacked with teenage talent, and their early dominance could signal a powerful future for the franchise.
ByTremayne Person|
Milwaukee Brewers shortstop prospect Jesus Made prepares to hit during spring training workouts Monday, February 17, 2025, at American Family Fields of Phoenix in Phoenix, Arizona.
Milwaukee Brewers shortstop prospect Jesus Made prepares to hit during spring training workouts Monday, February 17, 2025, at American Family Fields of Phoenix in Phoenix, Arizona. | Dave Kallmann / Milwaukee Journal Sentinel / USA TODAY NETWORK via Imagn Images

While the Milwaukee Brewers chase a third straight NL Central crown at the Major League level, the real fireworks might be happening far away from the big-league spotlight. Down in Zebulon, North Carolina, the Brewers’ Low-A affiliate — the Carolina Mudcats — is turning heads, not just with its dominance in the standings but with the youth of the roster leading the charge.

The Mudcats are led by Jesús Made, a 17-year-old infielder who’s forcing his way into national prospect conversations. Through the first few weeks of the 2025 season, Made is slashing an impressive .297/.409/.514 with a home run and six RBIs, showing both plate discipline and power beyond his years. Scouts have long praised his maturity in the box, but the early-season results are making it clear Made isn’t just a project — he’s a future cornerstone player. And he’s not alone.

Milwaukee's Low-A teenage wave is laying the groundwork for the Brewers' continued success

The Mudcats currently feature six top-30 Brewers prospects, all under the age of 20. Alongside Made (ranked No. 2 in the organization) are:

  • Eric Bitonti (No. 7) – A  3B/1B slugger with real power potential
  • Luis Peña (No. 9) – A smooth-fielding and speedy SS/3B with a developing bat
  • Braylon Payne (No. 10) – A speedy outfielder with top-of-the-line athleticism
  • Bryce Meccage (No. 15) – A right-handed pitcher showing early flashes of a future flamethrower with a couple of versatile breaking options
  • Josh Knoth (No. 19) – Another promising RHP with advanced command for his age

Even more impressive? The Mudcats’ hottest bat belongs to a name not even on that top-30 list. Josh Adamczewski, an unranked infielder, has burst onto the scene with a scorching start, already earning Carolina League Player of the Week honors. He leads the team with two home runs and 14 RBIs, while slashing an absurd .365/.475/.644, proving that Milwaukee’s scouting department continues to uncover gems outside the spotlight.

This collection of raw, teenage talent hasn’t just been promising on paper — they’ve been winning. The Mudcats are 11-2 to start the season, boasting a +43 run differential and sitting atop the Carolina League standings. Developmental leagues often aren’t measured in wins and losses, but this level of dominance from such a young core is hard to ignore.

For a small-market franchise like the Brewers, this is how you build a contender that lasts. Milwaukee has already earned its reputation as one of baseball’s premier organizations for player development. Now, a new wave is forming, and it’s riding high in Low-A.

While not every one of these players is guaranteed to reach the majors, the projected ETAs for this core hover around 2027–2028, just as many of the Brewers' current big-league stars will begin aging out or entering free agency. The timing couldn’t be more perfect.

In short, the Brewers aren’t just winning now — they’re building something that might keep them winning for years to come.

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