A Minor Review of 2015: Milwaukee Brewers

Welcome to the annual series: ‘A Minor (League) Review of 2015.” This series is a great way to receive a quick recap of the ’15 minor league season for your favorite club(s), while also receiving a brief look toward the 2016 season and beyond. It can also be a handy feature for fantasy baseball players in keeper and Dynasty leagues.

The Graduate: Taylor Jungmann, RHP: Jungmann was someone that I liked coming out of college but his three-plus year minor league career was underwhelming based on the expectations placed on a first-round pick. Despite the early struggles, the right-hander had an excellent freshman season for the Brewers and quickly solidified himself as a key cog in the starting rotation for this rebuilding club. Look for him to be a solid, middle-of-the-rotation innings-eater going forward.

The Riser: Orlando Arcia, SS: This 21-year-old Venezuela native has seen his value skyrocket over the past couple of seasons due to the ever-increasing value placed on defence. The emergence of the defensive whiz will either shift Segura back to second base or make him expendable. Although Arcia will never be a home run hitter, he’s gotten stronger and now shows the ability to blast doubles into the gap. He also has 20-30 stolen base potential. Look for him to supplant Segura, who’s coming off of an ugly season, at some point in 2016.

The Tumbler: Taylor Williams, RHP: Williams, not 24, has pitched just 174.2 innings in his three-year professional career, thanks to injuries. He missed all of 2015 due to an elbow injury and the concern is that he may eventually require Tommy John surgery, thus costing him even more development time. With a strong focus on obtaining pitching through the draft and via trade, Williams has slide down the Brewers’ pitching depth chart. The right-hander has good stuff — and with the durability concerns — he may be better suited for the ‘pen.

The ’15 Draft Pick: Trent Clark, OF: The 15th overall selection in the 2015 draft showed an advanced approach for a prep outfielder. He posted an on-base percentage of .424 over two levels and also stole 25 bases. Not a pure speed guy, Clark has a chance at developing into a solid all-around player with decent power at the big league level. Just don’t expect him to wow with anyone stat. The left-handed hitter will likely move up to Low-A ball in 2016 and could be a swift mover if he continues to display the approach he had in ’15.

The Lottery Ticket: Gilbert Lara, SS: The Brewers went all-in with Lara in 2014 when they signed the Dominican teenager for more than $3 million. He didn’t produce great numbers in 2015 but he was young (17) for the two leagues he played in and should tighten up his aggressive approach with more experience. Lara gives the Brewers another impressive shortstop prospect to go along with Orlando Arcia (as well as Jacob Gatewood and Yadiel Rivera).