The Milwaukee Brewers are gearing up for their 2025 international free agent class, which is set to be one of the most intriguing in recent memory. With a proven track record of success in international signings, the Brewers are poised to add some exciting young talent to their farm system. But here's where it gets controversial: while the team has already agreed to handshake deals with several prospects, the official signing won't take place until they reach a certain age. So, who are these prospects, and what makes them so special? Let's take a closer look at three shortstop prospects who are heading to Milwaukee in the near future.
Diego Frontado, Ricky Money, and Jose Rodriguez: The Next Big Things in Milwaukee
These three players are at the top of the Brewers' list, and for good reason. They've all been ranked highly by MLB Pipeline and Baseball America, two of the most respected prospect evaluation sources in the game. But while they all play shortstop, their skills and potential vary.
Diego Frontado: The Advanced Hitter
Ranked 24th by both MLB Pipeline and Baseball America, Frontado is an advanced hitter with quick hands and a sophisticated approach at the plate. His mechanics are solid, and evaluators are optimistic that he'll add more power as he fills out his frame. However, there's a disagreement between the two publications regarding his defensive abilities. Baseball America believes he's an average shortstop and above-average second baseman, while MLB Pipeline is more bullish on his ability to remain at shortstop throughout his career.
Ricky Money: The Power Hitter
Money, ranked 20th by MLB Pipeline and 39th by Baseball America, is a power hitter with a lot of bat speed. Evaluators believe that he'll add even more power to his game as he progresses. However, there's disagreement regarding his arm strength, and the general consensus is that he'll move away from shortstop as he advances through the minor leagues.
Jose Rodriguez: The Athletic Glove-First Shortstop
Rodriguez, ranked 28th by Baseball America and 49th by MLB Pipeline, is a glove-first shortstop with exceptional athleticism. He's listed as an inch taller than both Frontado and Money, and evaluators believe that his athleticism will shine in the field. While he doesn't have much power at the plate and isn't expected to gain much more, his decent hit tool and elite glove should still leave fans encouraged about his future.
The Brewers' International Success
The Brewers have had a ton of success in international free agency in recent years, agreeing to contracts with players like Jackson Chourio and Jesús Made. Their farm system is currently chock-full of international prospects, which has led Milwaukee to having one of the strongest minor league systems in all of baseball. This success has caught the attention of other front offices, with the Brewers receiving 37.2% of the votes in a recent MLB executives poll as the team with the best international market performance.
Looking Ahead
Given the success that the Brewers have had in recent history, fans should be on the lookout for the next player who will quickly become a household name like Chourio and Made. These three shortstop prospects are the top-ranked players that Milwaukee will sign, and they have the best chance of breaking through and becoming the next success story in the Brewers' farm system. Keep an eye out for them over the next few years, as a name like Ricky Money could be hard to forget.
