Down on the Farm - 6/24/22

Prospect spotlight on Joey Wiemer of the Brewers, Brandon Pfaadt (ARI) strikes out 12, Blaze Jordan (BOS) stays hot, Anthony Volpe (NYY) & Brett Baty (NYM) homer

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Prospect Spotlight 🔦

Joey Wiemer, OF Age: 23, R/R - 6' 5" / 220, Brewers (AA)

Drafted: 2020, Round: 4, Overall Pick: 121, University of Cincinnati

The Brewers selected Wiemer out of the University of Cincinnati in the 4th round of the 2020 draft. In his first professional season, the 23-year-old outfielder hit .293/.403/.556 with 27 home runs and 30 stolen bases in 472 plate appearances between Low-A Carolina and High-A Wisconsin. While known for his impressive raw power, Wiemer made more consistent contact than many expected he would last season. Across both levels he finished the year with a strikeout rate of 22% and a walk rate of 13%. After his outstanding season at the plate, Wiemer was chosen by the Brewers as their 2021 Minor League Player of the Year.

Wiemer has a powerful, violent, swing that’s produced impressive max. exit velocity numbers and hard hit rates. He’s changed his setup and swing since turning pro, ditching the high leg kick he utilized at the University of Cincinnati and moving to a simpler toe tap and stride. His setup is more open now with a slightly wider base. His hands also start significantly lower than they did as an amateur. Wiemer has some idiosyncratic pre-swing movements — starting with the bat lying flat on his shoulder before flipping it out and dropping his hands down into his starting position right before he loads. The video below shows his swing as an amateur (1st swing) and how it’s changed since he joined the Brewers (2nd & 3rd swings).