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The Two Brewers Prospects Lighting Up the Carolina League
Main Photo Credit: Jeff Hanisch-Imagn Images

The Milwaukee Brewers’ farm system is overflowing with young talent, but two 18-year-old phenoms are stealing the spotlight in the Single-A Carolina League, Luis Peña and Jesús Made. Both have become must-watch players for the Carolina Mudcats, showcasing skills that have the baseball world buzzing and the Brewers’ front office dreaming of a bright future. 

Two Brewers Prospects Making Waves at Single-A

Luis Peña: The Sensation from the Dominican Republic

Luis Peña, signed out of El Limón, Dominican Republic, has been nothing short of electric in his first full season stateside. The shortstop’s numbers leap off the page. He has a .326 average, .388 on-base percentage, and .533 slugging mark through 135 at-bats. Peña’s combination of contact ability and speed is rare—he’s swiped 24 bases in just 46 games, tormenting pitchers and catchers alike with his aggressive baserunning. Peña’s approach at the plate is mature beyond his years. He’s kept his strikeout rate below 10 percent, a remarkable feat for a teenager facing advanced pitching. 

His ability to hit for average while flashing pop (five home runs already) has earned him Carolina League Player of the Week honors. He has also drawn rave reviews from scouts across baseball. Perhaps most impressive is Peña’s consistency. He flirted with a .400 average for much of the summer. His three-double game earlier this month was also a showcase of his gap-to-gap power. With a .921 OPS and a growing trophy case, Peña is quickly establishing himself as one of the premier prospects in the Brewers’ system. 

Jesús Made: The Top Prospect Delivers 

While Peña has been a revelation, Jesús Made entered 2025 as the Brewers’ top prospect. He’s lived up to every bit of the hype. The switch-hitting shortstop is slashing .288/.397/.433 with 29 stolen bases in 247 plate appearances. This has provided a dynamic blend of on-base skills, speed, and defensive prowess. Made’s advanced approach is evident in his nearly .400 OBP. His ability to impact the game in multiple ways has made him a fixture atop the Mudcats’ lineup. He’s already matched Peña’s stolen base total as well. His four home runs hint at developing power that could make him a true five-tool player. 

Defensively, Made has shown the range and arm strength that project him as a future big-league shortstop. His leadership and poise have stood out in a league dominated by older players, and his steady production has been a driving force behind the Mudcats’ strong start. 

A Dynamic Duo for the Future 

With Peña and Made anchoring the infield, the Carolina Mudcats have become a nightly showcase for Brewers fans eager to glimpse the organization’s future. Both players have shown an ability to adjust quickly. They dominate their competition, and play the game with a passion that’s impossible to ignore. As the season rolls on, all eyes will be on these two teenage stars. If their early returns are any indication, the Brewers’ pipeline is in very good hands. The Carolina League looks to be just the beginning for these two players.

This article first appeared on Last Word On Sports and was syndicated with permission.

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