Brewers projected to take college outfielder in MLB Pipeline mock draft

In the first MLB Pipeline mock draft, the Milwaukee Brewers are projected to bolster their farm system with a college outfielder, signaling a continued emphasis on polished, high-upside position players.

Previously, the Brew Crew have gone with college bats with their first or second selection during the competitive balance round six times since the year 2020. Garrett Mitchell (20th) was selected in the shortened 2020 draft, Sal Frelick (15th) and Tyler Black (33rd) in 2021, Eric Brown Jr. (27th) in 2022, Brock Wilken (18th) in 2023, and Blake Burke (34th) in 2024.

This year, MLB Draft experts have been disappointed with the selection of college hitters, but with an unpredictable draft class and Milwaukee's ability to develop talent regardless of their draft position, the organization is actually perfectly positioned with the 20th overall pick to add an advanced bat who could rise quickly through the minors.

MLB Pipeline predicts the Brewers will select outfielder Brendan Summerhill out of the University of Arizona with their first-round pick

In MLB Pipeline's latest mock draft, the Brewers are projected to select outfielder Brendan Summerhill with their first-round pick. A standout for the Arizona Wildcats, Summerhill has impressed scouts with his sweet left-handed swing, elite in-zone contact rate, and potential for five-tool development. The 6'3", 205-lb. Chicago native has been ranked as high as the 10th overall draft prospect and is a consensus first-round talent.

Through 27 games this year, he is slashing an astonishing .406/.500/.683 with seven doubles, six triples, and three home runs. He has walked (19) more times than he has struck out (13), but has been limited due to a hand fracture and hamstring strain. MLB.com indicates that he has a Jake McCarthy-like profile with 20 home run and 20 stolen base potential.

Summerhill is exactly the kind of player Milwaukee typically targets in the draft: athletic, toolsy, and projectable with upside across multiple facets of the game. The Brewers have consistently favored high-upside position players, particularly those with a strong foundation of plate discipline, contact ability, and defensive versatility, which are traits Summerhill embodies.

The 2025 MLB draft does not start until Sunday, July 13, so we will have to wait nearly two more months until we find out whether or not Summerhill falls to the Brewers at pick No. 20.