Joey Wiemer Stats & Scouting Report College Baseball, MLB Draft, Prospects

Publish date: 2024-05-07
BA Grade: 50/High

Midseason Update: Wiemer continues to exceed many expectations even the most bullish evaluators had on him coming out of Cincinnati in 2020 as a fourth-round pick. He's physical, athletic, runs well and has plus-plus raw power with elite arm strength, standing out immediately for his size, tools and all-out, high-energy style. He has continued to perform well in Double-A this year, though with that power has come a 30% strikeout rate that eats away at his on-base percentage. Those highest on Wiemer believe it's a matter of toning down some of the ferocity of his swing in certain situations to be able to adjust to offspeed stuff rather than a glaring hole in his stroke, but he will have to become more selective to fully tap into his considerable power.

Track Record: Wiemer showed a promising mix of size, athleticism and tools in college at Cincinnati, albeit with an unorthodox swing and a middling .264/.379/.408 career slash line. The Brewers bet on his athleticism and drafted him in the fourth round in 2020, signing him for $150,000. After a slow start in his pro debut in 2021, Wiemer took off after a midseason swing adjustment and hit .295/.403/.556 with 27 home runs and 30 stolen bases in 109 games across both Class A levels. He continued mashing in the Arizona Fall League before a bruised left thumb ended his year.

Scouting Report: Wiemer's tools are among the best in the Brewers' system. He has plus-plus raw power and was able to tap into it much better as a pro than he did in college. Wiemer's swing had a ton of moving parts as an amateur, and while there is still a lot of noise with his hands getting his swing started, he quieted a big leg kick and replaced it with a toe tap, which helped him be more consistent with his timing. Wiemer's swing-and-miss rates may increase as he faces better pitching, but he kept his strikeout rate to a manageable 22% in his pro debut and showed patience with a 13% walk rate. Wiemer has surprising speed for a 6-foot-5, 215-pound outfielder. He's a plus runner underway and can play center field, although right field is his likely long-term home. He has the attributes to be a plus defender in right, including an 80-grade arm.

The Future: Wiemer has the tools to be an impact player, but his swing still leaves some unanswered questions. If Wiemer keeps producing at Double-A in 2022, his stock could take a leap.

Scouting Grades: Hit: 45. Power: 70. Speed: 60. Fielding: 55. Arm: 80.

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