Baseball America listed the Brewers' class as one of the top five most exciting classes this year. Milwaukee signed three players -- Kenny Fenelon, Brailyn Antunez, and Cristopher Acosta -- ranked in the top 50 overall by MLB.com. Notable Brewers international signings in the last few years include Jackson Chourio, Jesus Made, Jeferson Quero, Yophery Rodriguez, Luis Lara, and Luis Pena. Odds are, at least a couple of these prospects will end up contributing to a future Brewers team. Here's what you need to know about those three prospects, in addition to a few of the other notable signings.
Kenny Fenelon, OF, Dominican Republic (MLB.com's No. 36 overall international prospect)
Fenelon, who signed with the Crew for $1.3 million, is the Brewers' highest ranked prospect in this class. Fenelon's calling card is his bat speed, a trait that should help him develop significant power at the plate. He's also wickedly fast, projecting to remain in center field instead of shifting to a corner outfield position as he matures and bulks up a bit.
Scouting reports on Fenelon question his ability to make consistent contact. As of now, he doesn't profile to hit for a high average, although that is a skill he could very well develop given the caliber of prospect he is. Fenelon's batting average and OPS/OPS+ in the Dominican Summer League should provide a clearer picture of the type of player he can become.
Brailyn Antunez, OF, Venezuela (MLB.com's No. 42 overall international prospect)
Antunez, despite being ranked No. 42 42 by MLB.com's annual international prospect rankings, is described by Baseball America as "one of the top players in the 2025 class." Antunez probably has the highest upside out of anyone in the Brewers' 2025 class. He's incredibly athletic and as close to a complete hitter as a 17-year-old can be. He has shown the ability to hit for both average and power, showcasing a compact and repeatable swing that should translate well to pro ball.
The trait that scouts are most excited about is his pitch recognition. Antunez has shown the ability to drive both fastballs and off-speed pitches to all fields. He played infield during his younger years, only switching to outfield in the last few years. Because of this, he still has a ways to go in learning how to play outfield; his first step and defensive routes could use some work. Antunez compensates for these tendencies with plus-plus speed, but in order to stick in the outfield he will need to continue to improve his defensive instincts.
Cristopher Acosta, SS, Dominican Republic (MLB.com's No. 45 overall international prospect)
The 16-year-old Acosta has defensive fundamentals at shortstop that are well beyond his years. He's instinctive, has quick reflexes, and has proven himself as a sure-handed fielder. All of these traits will help him stick at shortstop long-term. At the plate, he has a tendency to get big with a slightly unorthodox swing -- see below.
He sometimes casts his hands, meaning he may struggle initially to hit faster pitching. At the same time, his swing has worked for him against top-level competition because of his quick bat and impressive hand-eye coordination. Milwaukee's hitting coaches should be able to work out the kinks, especially considering he's still incredibly young. His power also projects to be a standout skill and will only improve as he grows older and gains muscle.
Gerlyn Payano, OF, Dominican Republic
Payano has grown from 5'8" to 6'1" since scouts started looking at him and may not be done growing. His swing is also a bit unconventional, but like Acosta, it has worked for him in games. Payano also has a strong arm and is fast, with great defensive and baserunning instincts. He could very well be a 20/20 candidate as he continues to develop his power. I'm not a scout or anything, but I think Payano is the player outside the top three most likely to develop into a top prospect. He's still growing and is already toolsy and explosive. The ceiling is very high, but he's far from a sure thing right now.
Isais Chavez, C, Venezuela
Chavez has good hands and a plus arm, which helps him control the running game from behind the plate. He projects to be strong defensively, as his defensive game isn't lacking in any one skill. Chavez has also consistently performed well on the showcase circuit, proving to be a game player rather than a practice player. The bat may be a work in progress, but there is always room in the game for a standout defensive catcher. If he develops his bat, the defensive and physical tools are there for him to contribute in the majors.
Diustin Mayorquin, RHP, Nicaragua
Mayorquin spent last season with the Indios de Bóer of the LBPN, one of the best teams in the top professional baseball league in Nicaragua. Mayorquin put up impressive stats (aside from his 5.89 ERA), recording 31 strikeouts in 38 innings pitched with only two home runs given up all season. His fastball, which he controls well, already touches 93-94 miles per hour. Salvador Ayestas, the Brewers' scout in Nicaragua, says he believes he could potentially add another five MPH to his fastball. There isn't much said about his off-speed pitches, perhaps explaining his ERA, but the raw tools are there if Milwaukee can continue to develop him.
Eryks Rivero, OF, Venezuela
Rivero fits the profile the Brewers have been looking for in their international outfield prospects. He has power at the plate and crazy bat speed, although contact has been lacking thus far in his career. Expect him to play corner outfield rather than his current position of center field; he has a powerful arm, but may not have the range to play center in the pros.
Nicolas Barrios, SS, Venezuela
Barrios is the brother of Gregory Barrios, who played for the Brewers organization before being traded to Tampa Bay last year. Barrios doesn't necessarily have a standout tool but showcases great instincts and fundamentals. His bat control and strike-zone judgement are incredibly developed for a teenager.
Yeuri Ramirez, RHP, Dominican Republic
Ramirez, a 6'2" righty whose fastball already touches 94, has also shown good feel for his changeup and breaking balls. He has a knack for disrupting hitters' timing, a skill that should translate well to pro ball. His command could use a little work, but if he can improve that, he has all the other tools to be a starting pitcher someday.