The Milwaukee Brewers are at it again, making bold moves that could reshape their future. In a surprising turn of events, they’ve just signed another former first-round pick to a minor league deal, and this time, it’s outfielder Jordyn Adams. But here’s where it gets intriguing: Adams, once a highly touted prospect, has yet to fully realize his potential. Will this be the opportunity he’s been waiting for? Let’s dive in.
According to MLB insider Chris Cotillo of MassLive.com, the Brewers have inked Adams to a minor league contract ahead of the 2026 season. This move comes just days after Cotillo reported Milwaukee’s interest in the speedy outfielder, who was once projected to be a star wide receiver at the University of North Carolina before choosing baseball. Adams, now 26, was selected 17th overall by the Los Angeles Angels in the 2018 MLB Draft, and his elite speed—clocking in at the 98th percentile—earned him a rare 80-grade run tool from MLB Pipeline, a distinction few prospects achieve.
But here’s the part most people miss: despite his blazing speed, Adams has struggled to make an impact at the major league level. After making his debut with the Angels in 2023, he managed just five hits in his first 40 plate appearances. The following season, opportunities dwindled further, and he was designated for assignment shortly after. A brief stint with the Baltimore Orioles in 2025 didn’t yield much success either, as he failed to record a hit and was primarily used as a defensive replacement and pinch runner. Now, Adams joins the Brewers hoping to reignite his career.
And this is where it gets controversial: Why are the Brewers signing players like Adams, who haven’t yet proven themselves at the highest level? The answer lies in two strategic trends Milwaukee has embraced. First, they’ve developed a habit of acquiring former first-round picks whose careers have stalled, aiming to unlock the potential that once made them top prospects. This strategy has already paid off with success stories like Quinn Priester and Andrew Vaughn, and Adams joins fellow former first-rounders Greg Jones and Reese McGuire, both signed to minor league deals this offseason.
The second trend? Speed, speed, and more speed. The Brewers have made it clear they value players who can fly around the bases. This offseason alone, they’ve added Jones, Dasan Brown, and now Adams—all of whom have earned 80-grade run tools. In a league where payroll constraints force them to find value in overlooked areas, speed and draft pedigree are low-risk, high-reward bets.
But let’s pause for a moment: Is this strategy foolproof? Or are the Brewers simply collecting lottery tickets? While Adams’ speed and first-round pedigree make him an intriguing addition, there’s no guarantee he’ll break through. However, for a team like Milwaukee, which must outsmart wealthier competitors, these moves are calculated risks worth taking.
So, what do you think? Are the Brewers onto something with their focus on speed and former first-round picks, or are they chasing shadows? Let us know in the comments—we’d love to hear your take!
