During the Milwaukee Brewers' spring exhibition season, two prospects emerged as standout performers, capturing the attention of manager Pat Murphy. One was 21-year-old shortstop Cooper Pratt, rumored to have inked an 8-year, $50 million contract with the team, though official confirmation is still pending. The other, outfielder Luis Lara, has quietly climbed through the Brewers' minor league ranks and is now making waves with the Triple-A Nashville Sounds at just 21.
Lara, a product of San Felipe, Venezuela, signed with the Brewers as an international free agent in 2022. While his journey through the farm system wasn't as rapid as fellow Venezuelan Jackson Chourio, Lara has consistently risen to the challenges set before him. He bypassed the Arizona Complex League, jumping from the Dominican Summer League straight to Low-A in 2023.
Despite a lukewarm season with the High-A Wisconsin Timber Rattlers in 2024, the Brewers pushed Lara to start the 2025 season in Double-A with the Biloxi Shuckers. He responded by leading the Southern League with 32 doubles, a performance that, alongside his 21 Cactus League appearances, earned him a spot in Triple-A for 2026.
Through five games with Nashville, Lara has proven the Brewers' decision wise. As Milwaukee's No. 12-ranked prospect, he's off to a blazing start.
Lara isn't typically known for his power; his reputation is built on his defensive prowess. The speedy, 5'7" outfielder snagged a minor league Gold Glove last season, and according to Biloxi Shuckers' broadcaster Javik Blake, Lara is the best defensive outfielder he's witnessed in recent years-a high compliment given the talent that has passed through Biloxi.
But Lara is far from one-dimensional. His elite glove is complemented by top-tier baserunning, amassing 89 stolen bases over the past two seasons. Plus, he led the Southern League in doubles last year.
The one area where scouts have been skeptical is his power. Standing at 5'7" and 167 lbs, it's no shock that Lara isn't known for home runs, even though his hitting and running skills generate plenty of doubles. MLB Pipeline recently graded his power at 30 on the 20-80 scale.
However, that assessment might need a revision. Lara launched a homer in Nashville's season opener against former Brewers' reliever Enoli Paredes, and followed it with another blast in a game against the Charlotte Knights, equaling his 2025 home run total in just five games.
Entering this season, Lara was seen as a four-tool player: capable of hitting for average, playing stellar defense, possessing a strong arm, and excelling on the bases. The missing piece to becoming a five-tool player is power.
While Lara might not become a major power hitter, as Blake suggested, if he can elevate the ball more, his exit velocities could cause some damage. So far, he's doing just that, boasting a .750 slugging percentage through his first 22 plate appearances this season.
Brewers fans might see Lara in the majors this year, although it could require a roster shakeup due to injuries or other factors. Yet, if Lara continues his hot streak, he could earn his big-league call-up purely on merit.