Milwaukee Brewers prospect Craig Yoho | Curt Hogg / USA TODAY NETWORK

Potential star with a nasty change-up could seize closer role for Brewers

By Taylor Bretl | Last updated Jan 24, 2025 1:24 PM ET

In December, the Milwaukee Brewers traded 2023 National League Reliever of the Year Devin Williams to the New York Yankees, leaving Milwaukee's closer role up for contention.

During Williams' four-month absence with a back injury last season, veteran Trevor Megill (21 saves in 2024) assumed the role. He probably will fill Williams' role in 2025, at least early in the season, but a potential MLB star from Triple-A could ultimately seize the coveted spot: 25-year-old Craig Yoho.

Yoho, ranked as the No. 21 prospect in the Brewers' Top 30, rose rapidly through the minor leagues last season. He began in High-A, pitching in only 16 games before a promotion to Double-A. There, he showcased his talent in 18 games, leading to another promotion to Triple-A, where he appeared in 14 games.

In the minors last season, Yoho posted a 0.94 ERA, 0.94 WHIP, .151 batting average against and 101 strikeouts in just 57.2 innings. Yoho's ability to keep the ball in the park impressed, as he surrendered zero home runs and allowed only six extra-base hits.

Speaking about why he's so successful striking out hitters, Yoho told Kyle Lobner of "T-Rat Talk," “Just getting ahead early. If I can get to two strikes, I know it’s basically over for the hitter, and that’s been my focus ... getting to two strikes as quick as possible and then putting guys away.”

Here's a minute and a half of Craig Yoho changeups. You will probably come away entirely unsurprised that opponents slashed .140/.222/.177 against the pitch this year with a 50% strikeout rate. pic.twitter.com/cGTFg1yCdp
— Aram Leighton (@AramLeighton8) December 24, 2024

Yoho has made a circuitous baseball journey.

After high school, he committed to the University of Houston as an infielder. With the Cougars, he appeared in just one game during the 2020 season, a pinch-hit strikeout, before the season was canceled because of the pandemic.

After baseball resumed, Yoho suffered knee and elbow injuries in 2021 and 2022, ending his season both years. During that time, the Indiana native transferred closer to home, joining the Indiana Hoosiers and converting to a pitcher.

In his one year at Indiana, Yoho posted a 3.41 ERA but struck out 63 batters in 37 innings — numbers that highlight the strikeout potential the Brewers saw in him.

What sets Yoho apart is his strong three-pitch mix. His fastball hovers around 91-93 miles per hour and has the deceptive action of a sinking fastball. The second pitch in his repertoire is a sweeping slider that clocks in at 76-78 mph. But his change-up — recognized as an above- average pitch with a grade of a 70 from Baseball Savant — baffles hitters.

Despite pitching in 48 games in the minor leagues last season, Yoho had only 10 save opportunities. He converted all 10 chances.

With the bullpen not only losing Williams but also Hoby Milner, Colin Rea and Joe Ross, Yoho's role could become even more crucial. Keep an eye on him. Megill surely will, too.

Taylor Bretl

Taylor Bretl writes about Major League Baseball with a focus on the Milwaukee Brewers. He is founder of Around the Globe Baseball.

More must-reads: