Top Brewers outfield prospect wins impressive award for 2025 defensive performance

Milwaukee's emphasis on run prevention is organization-wide.
Milwaukee Brewers outfielder Luis Lara walks to the field during spring training workouts Tuesday, February 18, 2025, at American Family Fields of Phoenix in Phoenix, Arizona.
Milwaukee Brewers outfielder Luis Lara walks to the field during spring training workouts Tuesday, February 18, 2025, at American Family Fields of Phoenix in Phoenix, Arizona. | Dave Kallmann / Milwaukee Journal Sentinel / USA TODAY NETWORK via Imagn Images

For the second consecutive season, the Milwaukee Brewers have a top prospect being recognized for their defensive efforts, by winning a Minor League Gold Glove award. In 2024, it was shortstop Cooper Pratt who earned the honors. This year, outfielder Luis Lara took home the hardware.

Milwaukee Brewers outfield prospect Luis Lara recognized for his defensive performance in 2025 with a Minor League Gold Glove award

Lara, who signed out of Venezuela as a teenager and is still just 20 years old, has quickly built a reputation for his exceptional defense, showcasing impressive instincts, range, and a strong throwing arm. The speedy center fielder made countless highlight-reel catches, tallied 10 outfield assists, and committed only two errors all season.

MLB Pipeline grades Lara’s throwing arm and fielding tools at 60 (on the 20-80 scouting scale), and when combined with his 60-grade speed, it’s easy to see why, despite being only 20 years old and playing at the Double-A level, he consistently found ways to make an impact in the field.

When patrolling the outfield, Lara embodies a Sal Frelick–like mentality: chase down every ball and do whatever it takes to make the catch. Throughout his professional career, he’s shown a fearless approach, frequently sacrificing his body and making a number of acrobatic, highlight-worthy plays.

While Lara still has room to grow offensively, his defensive prowess and elite speed have firmly established him as one of the organization’s top prospects. He currently ranks 12th overall in the system and is the second-highest-rated outfielder, trailing only Braylon Payne.

After spending the entire 2025 season at Double-A, it will be interesting to see where the Brewers assign Lara to start the 2026 campaign. Milwaukee has shown a willingness to advance its international prospects quickly through the system, Jackson Chourio being the prime example, with Luis Peña and Jesús Made following closely behind. Lara appears to be on a similar fast track, positioning himself as another rising talent in the organization’s development pipeline.

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