First Round (No. 17 Overall): Braylon Payne, OF, Elkins HS (TX)
Payne has three plus tools with elite speed, a terrific glove in center field and a solid hit tool that gives him a top-of-the-order, table-setter profile. His bat speed and the physical projection remaining in his 6’2″, 186-pound frame mean there could be some power to come, but he has a flat swing path and will likely never be more than a 10-12 homer guy. That said, he uses his speed well and knows his strengths.
Given his expected draft position, this is almost certainly going to be a below-slot deal, so the grade here will be tied to what they do with that next pick. Payne has three playable tools and fits the type of athletic, toolsy player the Brewers have often targeted.
Balance Round A (No. 34 Overall): Blake Burke, 1B, Tennessee
Burke hit .379/.449/.702 with 30 doubles, 20 home runs and 61 RBI in 72 games this spring for the College World Series champions, and he ripped off a 31-game hitting streak to set a Tennessee school record. The 6’3″, 240-pound slugger has some of the best raw power in the 2024 class, and since he won’t provide much secondary value in the field or on the bases, his left-handed pop will be his ticket to the big leagues.
Burke is more than just an all-or-nothing slugger with a solid hit tool, and he could have snuck into the first round. This doesn’t necessarily make a ton of sense with the reach at No. 17 overall, but they’ll find a way to spend that savings eventually.
Second Round (No. 57 Overall): Bryce Meccage, RHP, The Pennington School (NJ)
Meccage vaulted up draft boards with a terrific junior season in the New Jersey prep ranks, and solid work on the showcase circuit solidified his status as one of the better prep pitchers from the cold weather states. The 6’4″, 210-pound righty works consistently in the mid-90s and shows a good feel for spinning a slider. An improved changeup and more reliable command will be the key to unlocking his upside.
Meccage is probably the best prospect the Brewers drafted today, so take that for what it’s worth. It’s going to cost above slot value to sign him, but they already have their savings lined up.
Balance Round B (No. 67 Overall): Chris Levonas, RHP, Christian Brothers HS (NJ)
One of the headliners from a talented group of New Jersey prep arms this spring, Levonas has electric stuff and remaining projection in his 6’2″, 170-pound frame. He has been up to 96 mph with his fastball and can spin a pair of distinct breaking balls that have both registered 3,000 plus rpm spin rates. With effort in his delivery and inconsistent command, there is reliever risk, but his stuff will play at the next level in some capacity.
I’m sorry I doubted you early on, Brewers. A great finish to Day 1 with two of the better prep pitchers in the class and a great way to reallocate the money they will no doubt save from reaching with No. 17 overall.
