MILWAUKEE -- It’s Garrett Mitchell time in Milwaukee.?
The Brewers called up their No. 5 prospect ahead of Saturday’s matchup against the Cubs. Mitchell was selected from Triple-A Nashville due to the injury of Jonathan Davis, who was sent to the 10-day injured list with right elbow effusion.?
“It’s been great,” Mitchell said. “Like I said, it’s everything you dream of. Finally being able to be out here and know that I'm here and here to stay, that’s all you can dream of. Just really trying to soak in the moment knowing there’s not going to be a first day ever again.”
After being selected 20th overall in the 2020 MLB Draft, the UCLA star quickly rose up through the Brewers’ Minor League system.
What Milwaukee loves most about Garrett is his “complete toolset.” He has incredible range as an outfield defender and his plus-plus speed makes him scary on the basepaths. The 23-year-old displayed these skills in his short time with Nashville. In just 20 games, he hit .343 with six doubles, nine RBIs and nine stolen bases.?
“Garrett is a very dynamic player and this is fast to the big leagues,” manager Craig Counsell said. “But I think if you ask our player development people, this is an exciting player.”
“I think what we've learned about Garrett is he brings a complete toolset and a complete skill set that can impact the game throughout,” Brewers president of baseball operations David Stearns said.? “He can impact it defensively, offensively and when he's on the bases. When he's been on the field throughout our system, he's done that at every level. We think he's going to impact our team.”
The Brewers’ new rookie outfielder got the call from the Nashville manager Rick Sweet Friday night at 11 p.m. Mitchell missed the first call, as he was away from his phone “eating a chocolate chip cookie.”?
But then Mitchell called Sweet back and got the news that he was going to be a big leaguer.
“I had to ask our Triple-A head coach if he was serious,” Mitchell said. “It was a little bit of shock for a second, but knowing he was serious and I got the call, a lot of excitement.”
With the injury to Davis, the Brewers had their options on who to call up. Milwaukee’s No. 2 prospect (No. 49 overall) Sal Frelick and No. 3 prospect (No. 89 overall) Joey Wiemer are two names that the team has kept its eyes on.
“These are not easy decisions,” Stearns said. “Ultimately for this role on this team right now, we thought Garrett made the most sense. There was a lot of discussion about all of them, but his ability to really impact the game on both sides of the ball, he's been in the organization a little bit longer than some of the other guys that were in the discussion, so all of that played a role.
“We're fortunate to have had a number of our first-round picks over the last couple of years move through our system pretty quickly. A bunch of them are at Triple-A right now. Frankly, I think you could make an argument that any one of them is ready for the Major Leagues right now.”
Mitchell is the first of those three to touch the big leagues, and hopefully serves as a sign of what’s to come for the team in the coming seasons.
“Sal’s doing a great job right now, Joey’s heating up and doing a great job, as well, and anyone can get the call at any time,” Mitchell said. “I root for those guys, too. I hope that they’re up here soon, because that could be a pretty scary outfield in the near future.”
The new rookie was not in the starting lineup on Saturday, but replaced Tyrone Taylor in center field in the eighth inning. He will make his first Major League start in Sunday's finale against Chicago and will get the opportunity to show the Brewers his skill at the top level.
“I think you'll see it when he runs out on the field,” Stearns said. “This is a premium athlete, and any time you see a premium athlete who could play any sport play baseball at the highest level, it's fun to see.”
Mitchell brings his bat, outfield skills and speed to help spark Milwaukee for a playoff push. But what does the rookie bring to the Brewers in his eyes?
“If there was one word, I would say 'electricity,'” Mitchell said.