Brewers 2021 MLB Mock Draft Roundup: Wicks & Cowser Names to Know
By Paul Bretl
The 2021 MLB Draft is quickly approaching for the Milwaukee Brewers and it will take place over the course of three days from July 11th through the 13th. This year’s draft will be 20 rounds, which still isn’t that close to the typical 40 rounds that we’ve seen in the past, but it is certainly more than the five we saw in 2020 due to the effects of the COVID-19 pandemic.
When it comes to which positions that the Brewers might look to address, you, of course, can never go wrong with adding pitching. On top of that, we know that the corner infield positions — especially first base — are major needs for this team as well.
However, during David Stearns’ tenure as General Manager and President of Baseball Operations, at least early on, Milwaukee often drafts up the middle, selecting shortstops, second basemen, and center fielders. Not to mention that the Brewers covet positional versatility as well.
It’s also worth noting that while in the NFL Draft, for example, teams often talk about taking the best player available, but positional need plays a factor as well. In baseball, however, the focus is really on the best player available over positional needs at that moment.
The reason being is that with it taking at least a few years for even a top prospect to make it to the big leagues, needs can change over that time. While first base may be a need now, we don’t know what that position will look like in four or five years. This is why teams should select the player that they believe has the best chance of making it to the majors–that’s hard enough to do as it is.
With the draft nearing, MLB draft analysts are putting together some of their final mock drafts. Let’s take a look at who they have the Milwaukee Brewers selecting with the 15th pick in the first round.
Jonathan Mayo – MLB.com
Colton Cowser, OF, Sam Houston State
"“The options in this scenario seem to be the college bat in Houston or the college arm with Wicks, with Bachman as an outside possibility.”"
Mike Axisa – CBS Sports
Jordan Wicks, LHP, Kansas State
"“The Brewers have a history of taking command over stuff college pitchers (they’ve done quite well developing that profile) and Wicks fits. There has been some buzz about Milwaukee pursuing a high school hitter with significant upside, though I’ll go with Wicks, who belongs in this range on talent and fits the organizational mold.”"
Keith Law – The Athletic
Harry Ford, C, North Cobb (GA) High School
"“The Brewers have scouted Ford pretty heavily this spring, although it’s unknown if they’d keep him at catcher or take advantage of his athleticism at another position.”"
Dan Zielinski – Baseball Prospect Journal
Colton Cowser, OF, Sam Houston State
"“Cowser, a left-handed hitter, offers an intriguing combination of average and power offensively and hits the ball to all parts of the field. He also displays a notable strike zone discipline. He is an above-average runner who uses his speed on the base pads and in the outfield. Cowser has the intangibles to play center field in pro ball.”"
Kevin Goldstein – Fangraphs
Jordan Wicks, LHP, Kansas State
"“The Brewers have a history of taking college arms and valuing command and performance as much as raw stuff, so Wicks fits the bill here.”"
Gunnar Hogland, RHP, Ole Miss
"“Who will take a chance on Gunnar Hoglund? One of the biggest question marks of the first round, Hoglund recently underwent season ending Tommy John surgery. Prior to the injury, Hoglund was arguably the best starter in the SEC as he showed increased velocity and the ability to use his slider and changeup late in counts.There are plenty of teams that like Hoglund over Rocker. The Brewers have been known to take some risks and chase upside from the college ranks. Hoglund fits both of those descriptions. Milwaukee has done a good job developing pitching over the last several years and Hoglund has a great foundation to work off of. The Brewers take the discount as they land a top player that falls in their laps at a reduced price.”"
Kiley McDaniel – ESPN ($$)
Harry Ford, C, North Cobb (GA) High School
"‘Ford shouldn’t get much past this, with interest starting at pick five with Baltimore. This is about the range where quick-rising Connecticut prep LHP Frank Mozzicato begins to be in play, but the list of weak connections here is long enough that I’ll save it for when it’s shorter.”"