Brewers 2019 Draft: A Look Back At The Picks

Hey baseball fanatics! Let's rewind the clock to the 2019 MLB Draft, where the Milwaukee Brewers aimed to bolster their roster for a run at the World Series. The draft is always a fascinating time, a blend of hope, speculation, and the dream of unearthing the next superstar. The Brewers, with their eye for talent, were looking to add some serious firepower to their farm system. So, buckle up, because we're diving deep into the Brewers' 2019 draft class, examining each pick, their current status, and the impact (or lack thereof) they've had on the team. This isn't just about names on a list; it's about the strategy, the scouting reports, and the journey from college or high school phenom to the professional ranks. We'll be looking at the picks, what the scouts saw in them, and where these players are today. Ready? Let's go!

First Round Focus: The Brewers' Initial Selection

Alright, let's kick things off with the big one: the Brewers' first-round pick in the 2019 draft. Every team hopes their first pick turns into a cornerstone player, a guy who can anchor the lineup or the pitching staff for years to come. In 2019, the Brewers had the 18th overall pick. With the 18th pick, the Brewers selected Garrett Mitchell, an outfielder from UCLA. Mitchell was seen as a dynamic player with a combination of speed, power, and defensive ability. He was considered a relatively safe pick, a player with a high floor and the potential to be a solid contributor at the major league level. The Brewers were looking for a player who could get on base, steal bases, and play a good center field. That was exactly Garrett Mitchell.

Garrett Mitchell had a pretty good amateur career at UCLA, playing center field and hitting for both average and power. His speed was also a huge asset, giving him the potential to be a base-stealing threat. After being drafted, Mitchell quickly moved through the Brewers' farm system. He showed flashes of his potential, but he also had some injury setbacks that slowed his progress. The most significant of which was a shoulder injury that cut his 2022 season short. When healthy, Mitchell demonstrated his ability to hit for a decent average, get on base, and use his speed on the basepaths. He also showcased his defensive skills in center field. In the 2023 season, he had moments where he looked like a potential star, but injuries again limited his playing time. As of now, Mitchell is still trying to establish himself as a consistent major leaguer. The Brewers are hoping that he can stay healthy and unlock his full potential because the tools are all there for him to be a valuable player. The Brewers saw the potential for a five-tool player. The Brewers definitely selected someone who could be a difference-maker for the team. The goal of the first pick is always to get a player who can contribute at the highest level. For Mitchell, it’s been a journey of overcoming obstacles. The future is uncertain. But the Brewers still believe in the promise they saw in him. He needs to stay on the field. If he can stay healthy, Garrett Mitchell has the talent to be a key player for the Brewers for years to come.

Scouting Report on Garrett Mitchell

Before we move on, let's briefly touch on what the scouts were saying about Garrett Mitchell. They liked his athleticism, his speed, and his potential to hit for average and get on base. His defense in center field was also considered a plus. Some scouts thought he might develop more power as he matured. However, some concerns were raised about his injury history and his ability to hit against high-level pitching. But overall, the consensus was that he was a high-upside player with a good chance to make it to the majors and become a valuable asset for the Brewers.

Brewers 2019 Draft Picks: Rounds 2-10

Okay, now that we've covered the first-round selection, let's take a look at the rest of the Brewers' draft class from 2019, specifically focusing on rounds 2 through 10. These rounds are crucial for building organizational depth and finding those hidden gems. While the first-round pick gets the spotlight, the success of a draft class is often determined by the players selected in the later rounds. The Brewers' draft strategy typically involves a mix of college players, who are often seen as more polished and closer to the majors, and high school players with significant upside.

In the second round, the Brewers selected a pitcher, Jeferson Quero. He was a highly-touted prospect out of high school known for his strong arm and potential as a power pitcher. He showed flashes of dominance and had the stuff to miss bats at a high rate. Unfortunately, he has struggled to stay healthy throughout his professional career, which has limited his progress. He has spent several stints on the injured list. This has kept him from reaching his full potential. He has the potential to develop into a late-inning reliever or even a starting pitcher if he can stay healthy.

As the draft progressed, the Brewers continued to add talent, focusing on a mix of pitchers and position players. The team's strategy was to add depth and versatility to their farm system. The goal was to find players who could potentially contribute at the major league level. The Brewers took a calculated approach, looking for players who could provide value, whether it was through their hitting, pitching, or defensive skills. In the later rounds, the Brewers often target players with specific tools or skills that could be developed. The Brewers hope that some of these players would eventually make their way to the majors, helping the team in various roles. This is where the team attempts to take calculated risks to find hidden gems. It's often difficult to predict which players from the later rounds will make it to the majors. Still, every draft class has the potential to produce a few players who exceed expectations and become valuable contributors. The Brewers' scouting department likely spent a lot of time on these players, hoping they would develop into something special.

Notable Later-Round Picks and Their Current Status

Let's highlight a few of the more notable picks from rounds 3-10 and see where they are now.

• Round 3: Zack Brown, a pitcher from the University of Kentucky. Brown had a decent college career. He possessed a good fastball and a developing breaking ball. After being drafted, he progressed through the minor league system. However, he struggled to consistently perform at a high level. He has since been released by the Brewers. He's still trying to find his footing in professional baseball.
• Round 4: Hayden Cantrelle, a shortstop from Louisiana State University. Cantrelle was known for his contact-hitting ability and his speed. Cantrelle moved up the minor league system and has also struggled to find his footing. Unfortunately, he hasn’t made it to the majors with the Brewers. He's another player who is still trying to make his mark in professional baseball.
• Round 5: Carlos Rodriguez, a right-handed pitcher. Rodriguez had a good start to his minor league career. He showed potential to be a starter. Unfortunately, injuries have held him back. He is another player who is trying to stay healthy to have a shot at the majors.

The remainder of the draft class included a mix of college and high school players. Most of these players are still developing in the minor leagues. The Brewers hope that some will eventually make it to the major leagues. The Brewers' draft class of 2019 was a mix of potential and unfulfilled promise. While Garrett Mitchell, the first-round pick, is still trying to establish himself in the majors, the other picks have had varying degrees of success and challenges. The Brewers will continue to evaluate and develop the players. The team hopes that some will eventually contribute to the team's success in the future.

Evaluating the 2019 Draft Class

Alright, so how do we evaluate the Brewers' 2019 draft class? It's a bit early to give a definitive grade, as the careers of many of these players are still unfolding. But we can make some observations. The first-round pick, Garrett Mitchell, has shown flashes of brilliance, but he needs to stay healthy to reach his full potential. The success of a draft class is often measured by the number of players who make it to the majors and become valuable contributors. The Brewers hoped that the draft would bring in players who could make an impact for years.

Injuries and Development: A common theme in this draft class is the impact of injuries. Many of the pitchers and position players have been hampered by injuries, which has slowed their development. Player development is a complex process. It involves a combination of coaching, training, and opportunity.

Looking Ahead: The Brewers will continue to monitor the progress of their 2019 draft picks. The team will be looking for players to take the next step and become consistent contributors at the major league level. The Brewers' farm system is always being evaluated. The team will have to see which players can continue to improve. The Brewers will make adjustments and provide the necessary support for their players to succeed. The goal is always to build a sustainable winner. The team is going to continue to build their roster through the draft, free agency, and trades.

Conclusion: The Long Game of Player Development

So, there you have it, a deep dive into the Milwaukee Brewers' 2019 draft class. As we've seen, the draft is a long game. The journey from draft day to the major leagues is filled with ups and downs. Every pick is a gamble. Every player has a unique story. The Brewers' scouting department puts in a lot of work to find the right players. They try to find players who can fit their team's needs. The Brewers are always looking for players who can help them win. Some players will thrive, others will struggle, and some will never reach their full potential. The Brewers' 2019 draft class has had its share of challenges. The team hopes that some of the players will become stars. The future is unwritten. Player development is an ongoing process. The Brewers will continue to work hard to help their players reach the majors. The Brewers are always looking to improve their farm system. The goal is to build a team that can compete for championships year after year. Thanks for joining me on this trip down memory lane. Keep an eye on these players, root for their success, and remember that baseball is a game of patience, perseverance, and, above all, the pursuit of a dream. Go Brewers!