The Milwaukee Brewers entered the 2025 MLB Draft with a significant opportunity to enhance their farm system, holding five of the top 100 selections. Known for their creative draft strategies, the Brewers are always a team to watch on draft day, often shaking up mock drafts with unexpected picks and a keen eye for talent. This year, with a focus on balancing immediate savings with future potential, the Brewers' approach is particularly intriguing.
Milwaukee's draft strategy often involves identifying players with strong bat-to-ball skills and a high baseball IQ. They've shown a tendency to lean towards college bats with a proven offensive profile, emphasizing contact skills and the ability to get on base. However, they also appreciate power potential and a keen eye at the plate, as seen in past selections. The Brewers have not shied away from high-upside prep players in the middle rounds, supplementing these picks with high-floor college talents.
With the 20th overall pick, mock drafts suggest a variety of potential targets for the Brewers. Some experts predict they will select a middle infielder with a strong offensive profile, such as Gavin Kilen. Kilen's ability to make contact and his power potential align well with Milwaukee's demonstrated preferences. Other possibilities include Caden Bodine, a switch-hitting college catcher known for his excellent framing ability and plus hit tool. A dark horse pick could be Gage Wood, a right-handed pitcher from Arkansas with a fastball that reaches the upper 90s.
Adding to the intrigue, the Brewers also hold the 32nd overall pick, a compensation pick for losing Willy Adames in free agency. This pick provides an opportunity to take a "safe" college player to balance out the risk associated with a high-upside high school player. The Brewers have a history of using these compensation picks wisely, often finding value in players who might be overlooked by other teams.
In addition to their early picks, the Brewers also possess a Competitive Balance Round B pick (No. 68) and a third-round pick (No. 94), further enhancing their ability to add depth and talent to their system. The Competitive Balance Round B pick was awarded after their second-round selection in 2024, Chris Levonas, went unsigned. Having five of the first 100 picks gives the Brewers' front office an excellent opportunity to add some more intriguing talent to their farm system.
Looking back at recent drafts, the Brewers have had success finding impactful players throughout the draft. In 2022, they selected Jacob Misiorowski, who quickly ascended through the ranks and earned a big league call-up. The 2023 draft saw them land Cooper Pratt in the sixth round, a potential first-rounder who signed for overslot. Last year, they went underslot with their first-round pick, Braylon Payne, but followed up with Blake Burke, a polished hitter from Tennessee. These drafts highlight the Brewers' ability to identify talent and maximize their bonus pool to acquire players who can contribute to their major league roster in the future.
Ultimately, the Brewers' 2025 draft strategy will likely involve a combination of factors, including talent availability, bonus pool considerations, and organizational needs. With a strong track record of success and a clear understanding of their developmental system, the Brewers are well-positioned to have another successful draft and continue building for the future.
