Brewers insider says Milwaukee may have found a 2025 draft breakthrough

Curt Hogg of the Milwaukee Journal-Sentinel named former Vanderbilt left-hander J.D. Thompson his top breakout candidate in the Brewers system, noting a new cutter and a pitch mix that could raise his prospect status; MLB Pipeline listed Thompson No. 16 in Milwaukee's Top 30.

The Milwaukee Brewers' farm system has drawn attention for its recent player development, and the club's pitchers are a focal point as the organization looks for pitching breakouts. An insider assessment singled out a recent draft pick as one to watch heading into the season. That pick is former Vanderbilt left-hander J.D. Thompson, a second-round selection last July. Observers note changes to his pitch mix that could affect his professional debut and early ranking. Known details: - Curt Hogg of the Milwaukee Journal-Sentinel named J.D. Thompson the Brewers' top breakout candidate in the system. - Thompson was a second-round pick (59th overall) by Milwaukee in the 2025 draft. - Reports describe Thompson as a former Vanderbilt left-hander with a rising fastball from a low arm slot. - In college he used a curveball, slider and changeup that graded average to slightly above average, and the Brewers have added a cutter to his repertoire. - MLB Pipeline ranked Thompson No. 16 in the Brewers' Top 30 as of the report. Summary: The profile frames Thompson as a pitcher with a strong fastball base and a developing set of secondary pitches, and notes that improvements to those pitches could boost his prospect standing. How he emerges from spring camp and whether he makes a full-season professional debut will shape whether this season counts as a breakout.