The release of minor league rosters for the Biloxi Shuckers, Wisconsin Timber Rattlers, and Carolina Mudcats didn’t offer many surprises, but several roster decisions still carry weight. They reflect the Brewers’ confidence in certain prospects and open up key opportunities for development.
Hitters to Watch
Jesus Made & Luis Peña
These weren’t unexpected selections—Made was almost guaranteed a spot with Carolina, and Peña was likely to join him. But it’s worth highlighting how rare it is for international free agents, especially those signed at age 16 or 17, to start their second professional season in full-season ball. Only 13 such players across all organizations achieved that in the last three years, and the Brewers have led the way in this category. Their fast-track development paths, like those of Jackson Chourio and Hendry Mendez in past years, highlight the team’s investment in young international talent.
Comparatively, other teams’ top DSL talents, like Emil Morales (Dodgers) or Rainiel Rodriguez and Yairo Padilla (Cardinals), didn’t make similar leaps. The Brewers continuing this trend with Made and Peña speaks volumes.
Demetrio Nadal
Nadal was expected to break out last year after a strong DSL season but missed the entire year due to injury. Despite this, he’s been placed with Carolina, signaling the Brewers’ belief in his potential. It’s especially notable given that others like Johan Barrios didn’t get the same nod.
Outfield Depth
Every healthy outfielder (and even infielders taking on outfield duties) will see significant playing time. With Luis Lara (AA), Yophery Rodriguez (High-A), and Braylon Payne (Low-A) spread across levels, no one’s stuck on the bench. Teams are carrying minimal outfielders, giving players like Jheremy Vargas and Zavier Warren the chance to earn at-bats in new roles. For prospects like Nadal and Luiyin Alastre, this is a great chance to break through despite crowded infields.
Yoneiker Lugo & Freider Rojas
It’s looking likely that at least one of these ACL catchers will move up to a full-season team. If the Complex League only has two catchers (Eric Martinez and Luis Corobo), there’s a clear spot opening up—potentially for Lugo or Rojas.
Pitchers Making Moves
The 2022 International Free Agent Class
Most DSL pitchers never make it to full-season ball, especially in Milwaukee’s system. So, the promotion of players like Manuel Rodriguez (expected to start in High-A), Daniel Corniel, Anthony Flores (Wisconsin), and Wande Torres (Low-A after skipping the Complex League) is notable. Torres, in particular, stood out with his strikeout numbers post-injury.
Alexander Cornielle & Stiven Cruz
Once key arms in Carolina’s rotation with Carlos Rodriguez, both pitchers have plateaued a bit in Wisconsin. Cornielle, especially, seemed on the verge of promotion multiple times last year but was always passed up. Now both are set for Biloxi, with Cornielle likely joining the rotation. It’s a fresh chance to re-establish their standing in the system.
Bjorn Johnson
The Brewers’ 12th-round pick in 2023 had a rough debut, struggling with control and consistency in the Arizona Complex League. Despite that, he’s been placed with the Mudcats. This assignment might mean he impressed during spring training—or it could reflect a lack of other healthy arms. Either way, it’s a crucial opportunity for the lefty to turn things around.
Overall, while the Brewers’ minor league roster moves didn’t shock anyone, they reveal a lot about who the organization is betting on—and who’s getting the chance to prove themselves early.
