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With the 50th selection in the 2014 MLB draft, the Brewers have picked outfielder Monte Harrison, a prep player out of Lee's Summit West High School in Missouri.
Harrison might be one of the most athletic players in the entire draft, and was one of the top outfielders available, coming in as the No. 23 overall prospect according to MLB.com. He was a three-sport athlete, playing basketball and football in addition to baseball.
Suddenly, the Brewers decision to go with a lower-risk selection of Kodi Medeiros in the first round makes even more sense. Not that Medeiros isn't a good selection in his own right, but the Brewers will need all the money they can if they hope to sign all three of their Day One selections. Harrison in particular may end up being a difficult signing. He is a four-star football recruit who has committed to playing both football and baseball with Nebraska. With a bright future in both sports, he may choose to see which offers the best path in a few years rather than sign now.
If Milwaukee is able to sign him, they may wind up with a steal. At 6'2", 195 pounds, he certainly has an athlete's build. He is also fast, with a 6.65 60-yard time. Unlike the Brewers' second pick, Jacob Gatewood, Harrison is currently more of a contact hitter than a power guy. However, as he puts on more muscle he could certainly develop in that area. . Due to playing other sports, he hasn't had as much of a chance to polish his bat, but he has a natural quickness that will help.
Harrison has also pitched in high school, reaching 97 MPH on his fast ball. Thus, it's likely fair to assume that his arm will be able to play anywhere in the outfield as needed. His blazing speed will also help him, and I would assume he'll first be looked at in center field.
Harrison's ceiling is as high as they come in this draft, but he has significant question marks. If he didn't, he certainly wouldn't have lasted until the 50th selection. If the team can sign him, though, they'll have another player with outstanding potential. Milwaukee is certainly taking risks in this draft, but if even one of them hits it's a huge coup.
In 31 games for Lee's Summit West, Harrison hit .433/.567/.677 with 45 runs, 35 RBI and 16 XBH. He also stole 26 bases in 30 attempts.
This was the Brewers' final pick on Day One of the 2014 MLB draft. Day Two will commence Friday at 1:00 pm ET.
