Joey Wiemer

Organization Prospect Rankings

• 
  Ranked Milwaukee Brewers #3 prospect in 2023
  BA Grade/Risk: 55/High
  
  Track Record: During his college years at Cincinnati, Wiemer stood out for his size, athleticism and tools, but he hit just .264/.379/.408 in three seasons with an unorthodox swing. The Brewers drafted Wiemer in the fourth round in 2020, signed him for $150,000 and watched as he quickly proved to be a bargain. After an outstanding pro debut at the Class A levels in 2021, Wiemer again posted big numbers in 2022, slumping in June and July with Double-A Biloxi before an August promotion to Triple-A Nashville, where he flourished.
  
  Scouting Report: Wiemer is big, strong, outlier athlete, especially for his size at 6-foot-5. He has 70 raw power on the 20-80 scale and has been able to get to his power more frequently in pro ball than he did in college. Wiemer could develop into a 30-home run hitter in the big leagues, though he will have to keep his strikeouts in check. He has toned down some of the moving parts in his swing from college, but he's still prone to over-swinging and has to better adjust to offspeed stuff and become a more selective hitter. He posted a 27% strikeout rate in 2022, though he cut it down to 20% in Triple-A. Wiemer has surprising wheels for his size with plus speed, which is why he has spent time in center field and could be a physical defender in center field along the lines of Jason Heyward. More likely--especially given the other prospects in the system--Wiemer will play more in right field, with an 80 arm and a chance to be a plus defender there.
  
  The Future: There's still a wide range of outcomes for Wiemer, but after Jackson Chourio, he has arguably the highest upside in the Brewers' farm system. He likely opens 2023 back in Triple-A but should make his major league debut during the season.
  
  Scouting Grades: Hitting: 30. Power: 70. Speed: 60. Fielding: 55. Arm: 80
• 
  Ranked Milwaukee Brewers #8 prospect in 2022
  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 more frequently 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.
  
• 
  Ranked Milwaukee Brewers #26 prospect in 2021
  TRACK RECORD: The Brewers bet on Wiemer's tools and drafted him in the fourth round in 2020 despite a lack of standout performance in college at Cincinnati. He signed for $150,000 and spent the summer playing for Birmingham Bluefield of the independent United Shore Baseball League. He struggled there before heading to instructional league, where a thumb injury limited his playing time.
  
  SCOUTING REPORT: Wiemer has a fast bat and plus raw power. He isn't a free-swinger, but he hasn't tapped into that power in games and faces questions about his pure hitting ability because of all the moving parts in his unorthodox swing. He loads with a big leg kick, drops his hands from behind his head to just above his waist before raising them back again and unleashing an aggressive hack. All of that creates timing issues and will be tested once he faces better velocity. Wiemer has plus speed underway and good instincts on the basepaths. He runs well enough to play center field, though he projects as a corner outfielder due to his size. He clocked up to 104 mph in outfield throwing drills and has an 80-grade arm.
  
  THE FUTURE: Wiemer will make his pro debut in 2021. If he doesn't hit enough, his arm strength and athleticism make pitching a fallback option.

Draft Prospects

• Ranked #136 prospect in 2020 draft
  Wiemer is a toolsy outfielder who raised his draft stock with a strong summer in the Cape Cod League but has consistently underwhelmed as a hitter with Cincinnati in the American Athletic Conference. Listed at 6-foot-5, 215 pounds, Wiemer has a collection of plus tools, including his raw power, arm strength and running ability. He hasn’t been able to successfully tap into that power at the plate, thanks to a noisy swing that has plenty of moving parts—enough that scouts have compared him to Hunter Pence. He has an open setup with lots of bat waggle above his head and a high leg kick, which all lead to timing issues. Over three years with Cincinnati, Wiemer hit .264/.379/.408 with 12 home runs and 35 stolen bases. When Wiemer is on base, he’s an instinctual and smart runner and his speed and arm strength (he’s gotten into the mid-90s on the mound) give him the ability to play all three outfield positions. Wiemer’s toolset is better than where he’s ranked, but the questions about his hit tool are significant.

Minor League Top Prospects

• 
  Ranked Midwest League #10 prospect in 2021
  If you saw Wiemer early in the season, you saw a big man with a big swing who swung and missed a lot. After ditching a leg kick for a toe tap, he made much more contact and started damaging baseballs like few others in the minors. He closed his time at Low-A with four home runs in as many games, including a pair of extra-inning walk-offs. That stretch earned him a promotion to High-A, where he only continued his rampage. “He screams raw power,” a scout said. “That’s the profile teams love at the plate, but it’s not to say that the pieces (don’t) still need to come together. Big bodies need time to fit all the moving parts together, but if he connects, watch out.” Wiemer blasted 14 home runs with Wisconsin, good enough for 17th in High-A Central despite playing just 36 games. He’s not solely one-dimensional, either. Wiemer has an extremely strong arm in right field, and his combination of speed and instincts helped him become one of just three players in the minors to top 20 homers and 30 stolen bases. “He’s capable of playing center, but I think the odds of him sticking in right field are more of a likely fit. That arm is a thing of beauty,” the scout added.

• February, 2023 Scouting Report
  BA Grade/Risk: 55/High
  
  Track Record: During his college years at Cincinnati, Wiemer stood out for his size, athleticism and tools, but he hit just .264/.379/.408 in three seasons with an unorthodox swing. The Brewers drafted Wiemer in the fourth round in 2020, signed him for $150,000 and watched as he quickly proved to be a bargain. After an outstanding pro debut at the Class A levels in 2021, Wiemer again posted big numbers in 2022, slumping in June and July with Double-A Biloxi before an August promotion to Triple-A Nashville, where he flourished.
  
  Scouting Report: Wiemer is big, strong, outlier athlete, especially for his size at 6-foot-5. He has 70 raw power on the 20-80 scale and has been able to get to his power more frequently in pro ball than he did in college. Wiemer could develop into a 30-home run hitter in the big leagues, though he will have to keep his strikeouts in check. He has toned down some of the moving parts in his swing from college, but he's still prone to over-swinging and has to better adjust to offspeed stuff and become a more selective hitter. He posted a 27% strikeout rate in 2022, though he cut it down to 20% in Triple-A. Wiemer has surprising wheels for his size with plus speed, which is why he has spent time in center field and could be a physical defender in center field along the lines of Jason Heyward. More likely--especially given the other prospects in the system--Wiemer will play more in right field, with an 80 arm and a chance to be a plus defender there.
  
  The Future: There's still a wide range of outcomes for Wiemer, but after Jackson Chourio, he has arguably the highest upside in the Brewers' farm system. He likely opens 2023 back in Triple-A but should make his major league debut during the season.
  
  Scouting Grades: Hitting: 30. Power: 70. Speed: 60. Fielding: 55. Arm: 80
• December, 2022 Scouting Report
  BA Grade/Risk: 55/High
  
  Track Record: During his college years at Cincinnati, Wiemer stood out for his size, athleticism and tools, but he hit just .264/.379/.408 in three seasons with an unorthodox swing. The Brewers drafted Wiemer in the fourth round in 2020, signed him for $150,000 and watched as he quickly proved to be a bargain. After an outstanding pro debut at the Class A levels in 2021, Wiemer again posted big numbers in 2022, slumping in June and July with Double-A Biloxi before an August promotion to Triple-A Nashville, where he flourished.
  
  Scouting Report: Wiemer is big, strong, outlier athlete, especially for his size at 6-foot-5. He has 70 raw power on the 20-80 scale and has been able to get to his power more frequently in pro ball than he did in college. Wiemer could develop into a 30-home run hitter in the big leagues, though he will have to keep his strikeouts in check. He has toned down some of the moving parts in his swing from college, but he's still prone to over-swinging and has to better adjust to offspeed stuff and become a more selective hitter. He posted a 27% strikeout rate in 2022, though he cut it down to 20% in Triple-A. Wiemer has surprising wheels for his size with plus speed, which is why he has spent time in center field and could be a physical defender in center field along the lines of Jason Heyward. More likely--especially given the other prospects in the system--Wiemer will play more in right field, with an 80 arm and a chance to be a plus defender there.
  
  The Future: There's still a wide range of outcomes for Wiemer, but after Jackson Chourio, he has arguably the highest upside in the Brewers' farm system. He likely opens 2023 back in Triple-A but should make his major league debut during the season.
  
  Scouting Grades: Hitting: 30. Power: 70. Speed: 60. Fielding: 55. Arm: 80
• April, 2022 Scouting Report
  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&#39s 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&#39s 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&#39s tools are among the best in the Brewers&#39 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&#39s 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&#39s 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&#39s 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.
• December, 2021 Scouting Report
  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 more frequently 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.
  
• October, 2021 Scouting Report
  If you saw Wiemer early in the season, you saw a big man with a big swing who swung and missed a lot. After ditching a leg kick for a toe tap, he made much more contact and started damaging baseballs like few others in the minors. He closed his time at Low-A with four home runs in as many games, including a pair of extra-inning walk-offs. That stretch earned him a promotion to High-A, where he only continued his rampage. “He screams raw power,” a scout said. “That’s the profile teams love at the plate, but it’s not to say that the pieces (don’t) still need to come together. Big bodies need time to fit all the moving parts together, but if he connects, watch out.” Wiemer blasted 14 home runs with Wisconsin, good enough for 17th in High-A Central despite playing just 36 games. He’s not solely one-dimensional, either. Wiemer has an extremely strong arm in right field, and his combination of speed and instincts helped him become one of just three players in the minors to top 20 homers and 30 stolen bases. “He’s capable of playing center, but I think the odds of him sticking in right field are more of a likely fit. That arm is a thing of beauty,” the scout added.
• July, 2021 Scouting Report
  TRACK RECORD: The Brewers bet on Wiemer's tools and drafted him in the fourth round in 2020 despite a lack of standout performance in college at Cincinnati. He signed for $150,000 and spent the summer playing for Birmingham Bluefield of the independent United Shore Baseball League. He struggled there before heading to instructional league, where a thumb injury limited his playing time.
  
  SCOUTING REPORT: Wiemer has a fast bat and plus raw power. He isn't a free-swinger, but he hasn't tapped into that power in games and faces questions about his pure hitting ability because of all the moving parts in his unorthodox swing. He loads with a big leg kick, drops his hands from behind his head to just above his waist before raising them back again and unleashing an aggressive hack. All of that creates timing issues and will be tested once he faces better velocity. Wiemer has plus speed underway and good instincts on the basepaths. He runs well enough to play center field, though he projects as a corner outfielder due to his size. He clocked up to 104 mph in outfield throwing drills and has an 80-grade arm.
  
  THE FUTURE: Wiemer will make his pro debut in 2021. If he doesn't hit enough, his arm strength and athleticism make pitching a fallback option.
• March, 2021 Scouting Report
  TRACK RECORD: The Brewers bet on Wiemer's tools and drafted him in the fourth round in 2020 despite a lack of standout performance in college at Cincinnati. He signed for $150,000 and spent the summer playing for Birmingham Bluefield of the independent United Shore Baseball League. He struggled there before heading to instructional league, where a thumb injury limited his playing time.
  
  SCOUTING REPORT: Wiemer has a fast bat and plus raw power. He isn't a free-swinger, but he hasn't tapped into that power in games and faces questions about his pure hitting ability because of all the moving parts in his unorthodox swing. He loads with a big leg kick, drops his hands from behind his head to just above his waist before raising them back again and unleashing an aggressive hack. All of that creates timing issues and will be tested once he faces better velocity. Wiemer has plus speed underway and good instincts on the basepaths. He runs well enough to play center field, though he projects as a corner outfielder due to his size. He clocked up to 104 mph in outfield throwing drills and has an 80-grade arm.
  
  THE FUTURE: Wiemer will make his pro debut in 2021. If he doesn't hit enough, his arm strength and athleticism make pitching a fallback option.
• December, 2020 Scouting Report
  TRACK RECORD: The Brewers bet on Wiemer's tools and drafted him in the fourth round in 2020 despite a lack of standout performance in college at Cincinnati. He signed for $150,000 and spent the summer playing for Birmingham Bluefield of the independent United Shore Baseball League. He struggled there before heading to instructional league, where a thumb injury limited his playing time.
  
  SCOUTING REPORT: Wiemer has a fast bat and plus raw power. He isn't a free-swinger, but he hasn't tapped into that power in games and faces questions about his pure hitting ability because of all the moving parts in his unorthodox swing. He loads with a big leg kick, drops his hands from behind his head to just above his waist before raising them back again and unleashing an aggressive hack. All of that creates timing issues and will be tested once he faces better velocity. Wiemer has plus speed underway and good instincts on the basepaths. He runs well enough to play center field, though he projects as a corner outfielder due to his size. He clocked up to 104 mph in outfield throwing drills and has an 80-grade arm.
  
  THE FUTURE: Wiemer will make his pro debut in 2021. If he doesn't hit enough, his arm strength and athleticism make pitching a fallback option.