With the fifteenth overall pick in the draft, the Brewers have selected outfielder Trenton Clark out of Richland High School in North Richland Hills, Texas. Clark was widely projected to be picked by the Marlins with the twelfth overall pick, but was also linked to the Astros and Cubs in pre-draft reports and fell to the Brewers at number 15.
Clark, 18, is one of the top high school outfielders in this year's class, along with Kyle Tucker, Daz Cameron and Garrett Whitley and is looking to become the first major-leaguer out of Richland High. He hit .518 with .697 on-base percentage and one home run in 23 games as a senior, and shined for Team USA at the 18U Pan-American Championship, hitting .565 with three home runs in eight games. Clark is committed to Texas Tech, though is expected to go pro due to his high draft selection.
MLB.com ranked Clark as the twelfth best prospect in the draft, noting that he is one of the best pure prep hitters in the draft despite an unconventional left-handed swing. His speed and great on-base ability also contribute to his status as an above-average offensive player, though some struggles with arm strength make his defense a bit of a concern at the pro level. Though he played center throughout high school, some believe that he may become a left fielder in the pros.
For the Brewers, the drafting of Clark is one of the first steps in a soon-to-start rebuilding process that could see outfielders Carlos Gomez and Ryan Braun be traded. The organization has top prospects Tyrone Taylor and Monte Harrison in the future outfield mix as well, meaning they have significant depth.