Instant Takeaways: Brewers draft slugger Blake Burke with pick from Burnes trade

With the 34th overall pick in the 2024 MLB Draft, the Milwaukee Brewers used the selection they got from the Orioles in the Corbin Burnes trade on Tennessee first baseman Blake Burke. Here are some instant takeaways.

• The Brewers continue to add power hitters to the organization. After selecting Brock Wilken and Eric Bitonti early last year, Blake Burke brings not only elite power, but a well rounded offensive profile to the organization.

• This season for National Champion Tennessee, Burke hit .379/.449/.702 with 30 doubles, 20 home runs, and 11 stolen bases. He drew 35 walks and struck out 48 times.

• A college corner infielder with limited defensive value doesn't seem like the spot that the Brewers will use their bonus pool savings on. Burke also could end up as an under-slot signing.

• For being a power bat, the hit tool is pretty solid here. Burke had a 31 game hitting streak for the Volunteers.

• Burke was the SEC Tournament MVP this season and he had a great performance in the College World Series to lead Tennessee to the title. He hit .407 with two doubles and a homer during the CWS.

• A left handed power hitter with a sweet swing, Burke is well equipped to slug inside hitter friendly American Family Field.

• Defensively, Burke could maybe be an average first baseman. He doesn't have the ability to play another position and may move to DH in time. The Brewers are really buying the bat and the power here.

• After years of targeting solely up the middle players and neglecting corner infield, the Brewers have taken early picks on corner infielders in back to back years. After Brock Wilken and Mike Boeve last year, now they go Burke, which is curious considering how well both Wilken and Boeve have been playing.

• The Brewers used the pick they got from the Corbin Burnes trade on Burke. The complete trade is now Burke, Joey Ortiz, and DL Hall to the Orioles in exchange for Burnes.

The next pick for the Brewers is at 57 overall and is in the 2nd round.