Prospect Peña quietly drawing raves in Brewers' farm system
PHOENIX – Jesús Made was at the top of the Brewers’ lineup for Sunday’s 9-7 loss to the Reds in the finale of MLB’s four-day Spring Breakout, a fitting perch when you consider that the 17-year-old infielder is under a bright spotlight as MLB Pipeline’s No. 55 prospect. Made could
PHOENIX – Jesús Made was at the top of the Brewers’ lineup for Sunday’s 9-7 loss to the Reds in the finale of MLB’s four-day Spring Breakout, a fitting perch when you consider that the 17-year-old infielder is under a bright spotlight as MLB Pipeline’s No. 55 prospect. Made could be the next big thing to come from the farm system that just saw Jackson Chourio star in the big leagues as a 20-year-old.
But the evaluators who visited Milwaukee’s complex in the Dominican Republic last summer say don’t sleep on 18-year-old Luis Peña, who quietly sits at No. 10 on the Brewers’ Top 30. Peña signed in the same January 2024 international class as Made, also plays shortstop and might be just as talented -- perhaps more talented, said two Brewers evaluators. And he hasn’t generated a fraction of the hype.
Luis Pena hit the only HR of the DSL All-Star Game this weekend 💣🇩🇴
— Brewers Player Development (@BrewersPD) July 22, 2024
The 104-mph EV is his hardest hit of the year
Pena ranks top 5 in the DSL in OBP (.496), and leads the league in SBs (33)#ThisIsMyCrew pic.twitter.com/Ii7R0tgTIk
For Brewers senior special assistant Carlos Villanueva, that’s as it should be.
”I do believe that the right guy is getting the attention just because he can handle it better,” said Villanueva, the former Brewers right-hander who has worked in player development since 2018. “Made is incredibly mature for his age. His dad played some ball [in the U.S. Minor Leagues], so he’s been conditioned a little bit more about what pro ball could look like. Peña is learning at his own pace.
“Having Peña feel a little bit of that competitive juice is going to mean that they push each other. That’s why I think we’re going to do our best to keep them together so they can feed off each other. Peña probably needs that, like, ‘Hey, I want to show you guys.’”
The Brewers have been scouting Peña since he was 14 and learned that about his personality early on, said director of Latin American evaluation Luis Pérez. Villanueva, meanwhile, remembers other instances of prospects playing together and pushing each other through the Minor Leagues, from Rickie Weeks, Prince Fielder, J.J. Hardy and Corey Hart, to the pitching trio of Corbin Burnes, Brandon Woodruff and Freddy Peralta.
📩 SUBSCRIBE TO THE BASEBALL TRAVELER NEWSLETTER
Those friendly rivalries fueled success. Now, it’s Made and Peña. If all goes right, they will begin the season at Class A Carolina with a chance to move fast, just like Chourio did.
“Since we were kids, we’ve been together,” said Peña, with Arizona Rookie League manager Rafael Neda translating from Spanish. “He’s been a good friend, a good pal, and we’re pushing each other. We’re on the same boat. We’re preparing, pushing each other to make it.”
Who does he think will make it first?
“For me, it’s both,” Peña said, choosing diplomacy and a smile.
Villanueva has been in the dugout for Cactus League games and resists the urge to answer when a coach asks about one of the many top Latin American prospects who have helped cover the late innings. Made, Peña, Yophery Rodriguez (Brewers No. 7), Luis Lara (No. 21), Jadher Areinamo (No. 24), Juan Baez (No. 27) and Eduardo Garcia (unranked) all have taken at-bats in Major League games during their buildup to the Spring Breakout.
Villanueva would rather his colleagues discover the players’ skills for themselves.
“Even Murph the other day,” said Villanueva, referring to Brewers manager Pat Murphy, “he’s seen both [Made and Peña] play shortstop and he’s like, ‘That Peña kid, he seems like a shortstop.’ Then I think he hit into a double play and he just flew down the line and everybody is looking at their watches going, ‘Did anybody get that time?’
“It makes me very excited when guys are asking about them, because I get the privilege of being in the D.R. and seeing them all summer. I’ve seen it.”
Peña won last season’s Dominican Summer League batting title with a .393 average while stealing 39 bases and walking as many times as he struck out (15) in 184 plate appearances. He’s a big part of the reason Villanueva believes that the January 2024 class will prove special. Three of those players -- Made, Peña and outfielder José Anderson -- were on the Spring Breakout roster. Anderson (Brewers No. 28) flashed his power by hitting a two-run home run in the fourth inning.
“It’s the most advanced class we’ve had,” Villanueva said. “They’re all toolsy, but it’s having tools plus being good at some of the other advanced things we measure. When you can control the zone at that age, it’s very different. It usually takes years to teach guys to do this.”
It sounds like the way player development officials talked about Chourio. He played in last year’s Spring Breakout, and look where he ended up.
“What that has done is it has opened the eyes of everybody else,” said Brewers roving coach Mike Guerrero. “I’ve been with the Brewers so long that I remember when everybody was talking about Robin [Yount] getting to the big leagues at 18 years of age, and Paul Molitor going to the big leagues from A-ball. That was preached to us in 1986 when we got to Spring Training: The door is open if you have talent and can change the game.
“What Chourio did has changed the way we think again. You don’t have to spend six years in the Minor Leagues to make an impact in the big leagues. If you have the talent, you can do it.”
Supervising Club Reporter Adam McCalvy has covered the Brewers for MLB.com since 2001.
Knoxville Smokies Announce 2025 Promotions and Giveaway Schedule
KNOXVILLE, TN - The Knoxville Smokies today announced the club’s 2025 promotions and giveaway schedule for home games at Covenant Health Park, the new multi-use stadium in Knoxville’s Old City. The promotional schedule includes 12 giveaway dates, and a team-record 27 fireworks shows. Individual game tickets for all Knoxville Smokies
Knoxville Smokies Announce Five Year Deal with FirstBank as the Official Bank of the Knoxville Smokies
KNOXVILLE, TN - The Knoxville Smokies have announced that FirstBank will be the official bank of the Knoxville Smokies. FirstBank will also sponsor the FirstBank Bridge inside Covenant Health Park, connecting the concourse beyond left-centerfield. “FirstBank is proud to be the official bank of the Knoxville Smokies, and honored to
Knoxville Smokies Announce Job Fairs in Conjunction with One Knox SC and Professional Sports Catering on March 1, 8, & 15
KNOXVILLE, TN - The Knoxville Smokies have announced the club will hold job fairs on March 1, 8, and 15. The job fairs will have positions open with the Knoxville Smokies, One Knox Soccer Club, and Professional Sports Catering. All positions will be located at Covenant Health Park, the new
Knoxville Smokies Announce Naming Contests for New Mascots
KNOXVILLE, TN - The Knoxville Smokies have announced the team will host public naming contests for the club’s two new mascots. A new father and son bear duo are coming to Covenant Health Park and East Tennessee this spring. Posters like the one listed below (right) were placed around Downtown
Cubs Announce 2025 Minor League Coaching Staffs
CHICAGO – The Chicago Cubs today announced their minor league managers and coaching staffs for the 2025 season. A detailed list of each club’s managers and coaching staffs are included below. The Cubs minor league clubs include Triple-A Iowa, Double-A Knoxville, High-A South Bend, Low-A Myrtle Beach, the Arizona Complex
Knoxville Smokies Partner with Professional Sports Catering to Provide Food Service at Covenant Health Park
KNOXVILLE, TN - The Knoxville Smokies have partnered with Professional Sports Catering (PSC) to manage concessions and catering at Covenant Health Park when the multi-use facility opens next spring. The Smokies will make their home at the stadium and manage its operations, and the venue will host One Knoxville SC
Knoxville Smokies Announce Grand Opening of New Team Store Inside West Town Mall on Saturday, November 23
KNOXVILLE, TN - The Knoxville Smokies have announced the official grand opening of a team retail store inside the West Town Mall for Saturday, November 23. The Smokies are also proud to partner with Covenant Health, creating a round-up program, giving shoppers the opportunity to round-up their total purchase to
Tennessee Smokies Announce Rebrand to Knoxville Smokies with New Logos and Jerseys
KNOXVILLE, TN - The Tennessee Smokies have announced the official rebrand of the team name to the Knoxville Smokies, along with new team logos and jerseys. The rebrand comes with the club moving to Downtown Knoxville. The team will play at Covenant Health Park, located at 500 East Jackson Avenue
Tennessee Smokies Announce Partnership with ORNL Federal Credit Union as Luxury Level Club and Home Plate Club Sponsor
SEVIERVILLE, TN - The Tennessee Smokies have announced the team will partner with ORNL Federal Credit Union as the Luxury Level Club and Home Plate Club sponsor beginning next year at the new Covenant Health Park in Knoxville. ORNL Federal Credit Union and the Tennessee Smokies have worked together for
Tennessee Smokies Announce University of Tennessee 'Orange & White Fall World Series' to Take Place at Smokies Stadium November 8
SEVIERVILLE, TN - The Tennessee Smokies have announced that the University of Tennessee baseball team will host their annual ‘Orange & White Fall World Series’ at Smokies Stadium on Friday, November 8. This game will be the ‘Final Baseball Game in Smokies Stadium.’ First pitch will take place on Friday,
Tennessee Smokies Announce Donation Drive at Smokies Stadium to Support Flood Relief Victims
SEVIERVILLE, TN - In response to the devastation left behind by Hurricane Helene, the Tennessee Smokies have announced that they are holding a donation drive to support flood relief victims. Donations can be dropped off at Smokies Stadium near the entrance of The Batter’s Box Bar + Grill restaurant on
Boyd Sports, One Knoxville Soccer Club Announce Arrangement for First Season
Boyd Sports and One Knoxville SC today announced that beginning next season the soccer club will play its home games in the new Knoxville multi-use stadium that will also be home to the Knoxville Smokies baseball team. “Boyd Sports and the Knoxville Smokies are very proud to partner with One
Tennessee Smokies Announce Free Parking Partnership with Sevier County & City of Sevierville for Remainder of 2024 Season
SEVIERVILLE, TN - The Tennessee Smokies have announced the team will partner with Sevier County and the City of Sevierville for free parking for fans during the remainder of the 2024 baseball season at Smokies Stadium. The free parking gesture is a representation of celebrating 25 great seasons of baseball
Tennessee Smokies Announce 2025 Season Schedule
SEVIERVILLE, TN - The Tennessee Smokies today announced their 2025 baseball schedule. The Smokies will begin the season on the road at the Birmingham Barons on Friday, April 4 for a three-game series, and then a six-game series in Huntsville, Alabama against the Rocket City Trash Pandas. On Tuesday, April
Hall of Fame Manager Tony La Russa and members of the 1978 Knox Sox Championship Team are coming to Smokies Stadium Sunday, July 28
\\As of the morning of Sunday, July 28th: Due to unforeseen health issues, Tony La Russa will not be in attendance for this event. If you purchased an upgraded ticket or brunch ticket, an email will be sent directly to you with further information.\
We are proud to welcome Hall
Tennessee Smokies Announce Fifth Annual Smokies BeerFest on August 17th
SEVIERVILLE, TN - The Tennessee Smokies are happy to announce their annual BeerFest is returning to Smokies Stadium on August 17, 2024. The event will take place from 4:00pm-8:00pm, with early entry beginning at 3:00pm for VIP ticket holders and will feature many local breweries and their unique brews. Each
Tennessee Smokies Announce 2025 Season Tickets On Sale Starting August 1, 2024
SEVIERVILLE, TN - The Tennessee Smokies have announced that season tickets for the 2025 season will go on sale beginning Thursday, August 1 at 10:00am. Tickets available include Luxury Level Club seating, padded seating, home plate seating, and full-season field level seating. “This is a big step towards an exciting
Free MLB Youth Pitch, Hit, & Run Competition to be held at Smokies Stadium on June 11
SEVIERVILLE, TN - On Deck Athletics will host its annual MLB Pitch, Hit, and Run competition for area youth baseball and softball players on June 11, 2024 at Smokies Stadium. Athletes 7-14 years old will compete in three events measuring throwing accuracy, hitting distance, and running speed. This event is
Cubs Announce 2024 Minor League Coaching Staffs
CHICAGO – The Chicago Cubs today announced their minor league managers and coaching staffs for the 2024 season. The Cubs minor league clubs include Triple-A Iowa, Double-A Tennessee, High-A South Bend, Low-A Myrtle Beach, the Arizona Complex League Mesa Cubs and the Dominican Summer League Cubs. Marty Pevey returns as
Tennessee Smokies Announce 2024 Promotions & Giveaway Schedule
SEVIERVILLE, TN - The Tennessee Smokies today announced the club’s 2024 promotions and giveaway schedule for home games at Smokies Stadium. The promotional schedule includes 10 giveaway dates, and 20 firework shows. Tickets for all Tennessee Smokies home games will be on sale beginning March 5 at 10:00am online at
Smokies drop series finale against Barons
Written by Caleb Jarreau The Tennessee Smokies fell to the Birmingham Barons 5-2 on Sunday afternoon. Tennessee splits the series with the Barons. Antonio Santos got the start for Tennessee, working five innings while surrendering seven hits and four runs. The Smokies got good innings from their bullpen, but the
Smokies drop Saturday game to Barons, 3-0
Written by Caleb Jarreau The Tennessee Smokies dropped Saturday night's contest with the Barons, 3-0. Sam Armstrong took the loss for Tennessee (56-38/16-10) while Birmingham's (51-44/10-16) Jordan Mikel picked up the win. Dalton Moats gave up a run in two innings, Jeff Belge pitched two scoreless and Joe Nahas pitched
Smokies hold Barons to three hits in Thursday night win
Written by Caleb Jarreau The Tennessee Smokies picked up a 5-1 win over the Birmingham Barons on Wednesday night. Chris Kachmar gets the win for his efforts, working six innings while allowing just one hit and one run. Jimmy Endersby worked a scoreless eighth and Eduarniel Nunez closed out the
Tennessee Smokies Announce Taco & Margarita Festival to Take Place on July 13 at Smokies Stadium
SEVIERVILLE, TN - The Tennessee Smokies have announced they are hosting their first inaugural Taco and Margarita festival on July 13, 2024. Tickets can be purchased here. Fans can enjoy a full day of entertainment and delicious taco and margarita options. Attendees can choose from a range of ticket options
Game story 7/2
Written by Caleb Jarreau The Tennessee Smokies picked up a 7-2 victory over the Chattanooga Lookouts on Tuesday night. Antonio Santos got the start for the Smokies, working 5.2 innings while surrendering two hits and two runs and striking out seven. Santos earned the win for his efforts. Tennessee's Alex