The Milwaukee Brewers' farm system continues to shine, packed with top-tier prospects and hidden gems ready to break out. Even as the franchise enjoys an era of unprecedented success, their knack for scouting and developing young talent remains a cornerstone.
One name catching attention is first base prospect Eric Bitonti, who recently earned a spot on ZiPS' top prospect list for 2026, coming in at No. 71.
At just 20 years old, Bitonti's power at the plate is turning heads, earning him recognition alongside fellow Brewers prospects Luke Adams (68) and Braylon Payne (90). Impressively, the Brewers boast 10 prospects in ZiPS' Top 100, leading Major League Baseball.
While Bitonti hasn't cracked FanGraphs' default Top 100 or other major prospect rankings, his inclusion on the ZiPS list highlights his potential. Bitonti's raw power is undeniable, but like many young sluggers, he faces the challenge of reducing strikeouts to reach his full potential.
The narrative is familiar: a young hitter with immense power but a tendency to swing and miss. This has been the story for many, including Joey Gallo and Jack Cust.
However, Bitonti, a third-round pick in 2023, is still refining his approach. At just 20, he has time on his side to hone his skills against major-league pitching.
The 2026 season is pivotal for Bitonti's growth. Now in his third full season since being drafted, he's shown flashes of brilliance, finishing the 2025 season in Low-A with 19 home runs and 17 steals over 505 plate appearances.
His slash line of .238/.341/.421 (117 wRC+) hints at his potential, though a 33.5% strikeout rate remains a concern. Still, his ability to draw walks (13.1% of plate appearances) is a promising sign.
Transitioning fully to first base after some time at third, Bitonti is set to showcase his 70-grade raw power in High-A this year. His knack for pulling the ball (48.9% rate last season) and hitting it in the air are key elements of his power game.
Bitonti's profile is a bit of a departure from the Brewers' recent focus on high-floor, speed-and-defense players, but his upside is hard to ignore. With a strong season, he could solidify his place on Top 100 prospect lists and become a key piece of the Brewers' future.