Milwaukee Brewers: What 2 Scouting Reports Say About OF Joey Wiemer

With pick 121 in the 2020 MLB Draft, the Milwaukee Brewers select OF Joey Wiemer. Here is what two pre-draft scouting reports have to say about his game.

In Round 4 of the 2020 MLB Draft, the Milwaukee Brewers selected outfielder Joey Wiemer of Cincinnati. Wiemer is another “toolsy,” up the middle college player to go along with Milwaukee’s first three picks.

At the plate, many are going to describe Wiemer as ‘raw’ and that he’s going to be a bit of a project. During his time at Cincinnati that spanned 451 at-bats, Wiemer posted a slash line of just .264/.379/.408. And while some are high on his ability as a power-hitter, Wiemer did hit only 12 home runs.

However, according to Milwaukee Brewers’ Scouting Director Tod Johnson, Wiemer is more refined at the plate than many give him credit for (via The Athletic – subscription required):

"“Everyone looks at him and thinks he’s a little more raw, but actually if you look a the performance, he’s been able to pretty consistently be able to control the strike zone there,” Johnson told reporters. “He will flash some swing and miss, but that’s because he’s trying to hit the ball far sometimes – and he will.”"

If his bat can continue to develop, that coupled with his speed, athleticism, defense, and ability on the bases, the Brewers are going to have a real player on their roster in the future. And this pick could look like an absolute steal.

With an All-Star performance in the Cape Cod League last summer, Wiemer was able to boost his draft stock and was MLB Pipeline’s 167th ranked prospect coming into the draft. Below are the grades for his tools:

Hit: 40 / Run: 60 / Field: 55 / Power: 45 / Arm: 70 / Overall: 40

For a closer look at Wiemer’s game and what he brings to the Milwaukee Brewers’ organization, here is what two pre-draft scouting reports had to say about the former Bearcat:

MLB.com

"“Wiemer’s bat speed, strength and leverage give him plus raw power from the right side of the plate, but he’s still figuring how to translate it into production. He utilizes a big leg kick and he has an uphill, max-effort swing and timing issues that lead to a lot of groundball contact.”"

Carlos Collazo – Baseball America

"“His swing is unconventional and leads to the inconsistencies he sees offensively thanks to timing issues that can pop up, but he’s athletic and has plus arm strength, which should allow him to play all three outfield positions.”"

As pick 121, Wiemer is slotted to make $473,700 to sign, which is expected to happen. Like the picks before him, the Milwaukee Brewers add another athletic and high-upside talent to the organization.