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.
The Modesto Nuts Announce 2025 Promo Schedule
The Modesto Nuts are entering their final season in Modesto and are excited to announce the release of the 2025 promotion schedule. The season will be filled with excitement for all 66 games with highlights including firework shows, giveaways, jersey auctions plus many more! Fan-favorite Lucha Libre Night returns for
Explore the Best Live Events in Modesto
Modesto Entertainment Guide - Nuts Edition TicketSmarter is delighted to extend a special 5% discount (code - NUTS5) to fans of the Modesto Nuts, offering access to an array of live events in Modesto, Oakland, and the surrounding areas. Dive into our vast selection of over 125,000 concerts, sports events,
Modesto Nuts Announce Sale to Diamond Baseball Holdings
MODESTO, CALIF. (December 12, 2024) – The Modesto Nuts today announced that the SeattleMariners have entered into an agreement to sell the club to Diamond Baseball Holdings (DBH), an organization that owns and operates select Minor League Baseball clubs affiliated with Major League Baseball (MLB). As part of DBH’s acquisition,
Modesto Nuts Win Nailbiter to Claim Back-to-Back Cal League Championships
In a thrilling finale at John Thurman Field, the Modesto Nuts secured their second consecutive California League Championship and the 11th in Modesto’s Cal League history by edging out the Lake Elsinore Storm 2-1 in Game 3 of the best-of-three series. With an electric atmosphere and palpable tension, the Nuts
Nuts takes home second straight Cal League title
Having missed out on its first opportunity to clinch a second consecutive championship, the Modesto Nuts made sure the California League crown remained at John Thurman Field on Wednesday night. The Seattle affiliate put on a pitching clinic, edging Lake Elsinore, 2-1, in the winner-take-all Game 3 of the Championship
Storm Win Big over the Nuts to Force a Winner Take All Game 3
Storm Win Big over the Nuts to Force a Winner Take All Game 3 Final Score: Storm 9, Nuts 2 By: Micah Mashore Post-Game Recap: Lake Elsinore defeats Modesto in Game 2 of the California League Championship series to even up the series at one game apiece. In a commanding
Nuts Win Back and Forth Thriller to Take Game 1 of the Cal League Championship
MODESTO NUTS (1-0) @ Lake Elsinore Storm (0-1) 1:15 pm Nuts Win Back and Forth Thriller to Take Game 1 of the Cal League Championship Final Score: Nuts 10, Storm 8 By: Micah Mashore Post-Game Recap: Modesto defeats Lake Elsinore in Game 1 of the California League Championship series In
Nuts Sweep Giants to Advance to Championship Series
Nuts Sweep Giants to Advance to Championship Series Final Score: Nuts 6, Giants 2 By: Micah Mashore Post-Game Recap: Modesto defeats San Jose 6-2 In a decisive Game 2, the Modesto Nuts defeated the San Jose Giants 6-2 to sweep the best-of-three series and advance to the California League Championship
Modesto Closes Out the Regular Season on a Winning Note
Modesto Closes Out the Regular Season on a Winning Note Final Score: Nuts 8, Ports 2 By: Micah Mashore Post-Game Recap: Modesto defeats Stockton 8-2 On the final day of the regular season, the Modesto Nuts secured an 8-2 victory over the Stockton Ports at John Thurman Field, demonstrating their
Offensive Barrage Continue as the Nuts Beat the Ports
Offensive Barrage Continue as the Nuts Beat the Ports Final Score: Nuts 15, Ports 4 By: Micah Mashore Post-Game Recap: Modesto defeats Stockton 15-4 In a decisive victory in which the offense once again produced double digit runs, the Modesto Nuts triumphed over the Stockton Ports with an impressive 15-4
Nuts Offensive Onslaught Overpowers Stockton
Nuts Offensive Onslaught Overpowers Stockton Final Score: Nuts 14, Ports 4 By: Micah Mashore Post-Game Recap: Modesto defeats Stockton 14-4 On Fireworks at John Thurman Field, the Modesto Nuts defeated the Stockton Ports 14-4, showcasing a dominant offensive performance that overwhelmed the Ports' pitching staff. The Nuts' offensive explosion was
Ports Power too much for Modesto to Overcome
Ports Power too much for Modesto to Overcome Final Score: Ports 9, Nuts 5 By: Micah Mashore Post-Game Recap: Stockton defeats Modesto 9-5 The Stockton Ports emerged victorious over the Modesto Nuts with a final score of 9-5 in a Cal League matchup at John Thurman Field. The Ports' explosive
Pagliarini’s Clutch Knock Pushes Nuts Past Ports
Pagliarini’s Clutch Knock Pushes Nuts Past Ports Final Score: Nuts 4, Ports 3 By: Micah Mashore Post-Game Recap: Modesto defeats Stockton 4-3 In a California League North Division clash at John Thurman Field, the Modesto Nuts edged out the Stockton Ports 4-3. The Nuts, now with a 70-56 record, showcased
Caron’s Homerun Carries Modesto to Victory
Caron’s Homerun Carries Modesto to Victory Final Score: Nuts 5, Ports 3 By: Micah Mashore Post-Game Recap: Modesto defeats Stockton 5-3 In a comeback thriller at John Thurman Field, the Modesto Nuts emerged victorious over the Stockton Ports with a final score of 5-3. The game was a tale of
Good Guys Split Series with San Jose
Good Guys Split Series with San Jose Final Score: Nuts 9, Giants 8 By: Micah Mashore Post-Game Recap: Modesto defeats San Jose 9-8 In a Cal League North Division matchup at John Thurman Field, the Modesto Nuts edged out the San Jose Giants 9-8 in a game that kept fans
Pagliarini’s Clutch Knock gives the Good Guys the Win
Pagliarini’s Clutch Knock gives the Good Guys the Win Final Score: Nuts 7, Giants 6 By: Micah Mashore Post-Game Recap: Modesto defeats San Jose 7-6 In a gripping contest at John Thurman Field, the Modesto Nuts secured a 7-6 victory over the San Jose Giants, in another close contest between
Nuts Walk it Off in Extra Innings
Nuts Walk it Off in Extra Innings Final Score: Nuts 4, Giants 3 F/10 innings By: Micah Mashore Post-Game Recap: Modesto defeats San Jose 4-3 in 10 innings In another thrilling extra-inning contest at John Thurman Field, the Nuts edged out the Giants 4-3 in a ten-inning battle that kept
Nuts use Big Blasts to Salvage Series Finale against Visalia
Final Score: Nuts 7, Rawhide 3 By: Micah Mashore The Modesto Nuts emerged victorious with a 7-3 win over the Visalia Rawhide in an exciting contest at John Thurman Field on August 11. The Nuts’ offensive attack was led by a powerful performance from DH Tai Peete, who blasted with
Rawhide top Nuts in back and forth Battle
Rawhide top Nuts in back and forth Battle Final Score: Rawhide 12, Nuts 8 By: Micah Mashore In a back and forth battle at John Thurman Field, the Visalia Rawhide outlasted the Modesto Nuts , winning 12-8 in a thrilling contest. The Rawhide showcased a potent offensive attack, with standout
Visalia comes from behind to defeat Modesto on Marvel Night
Visalia comes from behind to defeat Modesto Final Score: Rawhide 5, Nuts 3 By: Micah Mashore Post-Game Recap: Visalia Rawhide Defeats Modesto Nuts 5-3 The Visalia Rawhide secured a hard-fought victory against the Modesto Nuts with a final score of 5-3 at John Thurman Field. This win was crucial for
Tough Thursday Night for Modesto
Game Recap: Rawhide vs. Nuts – August 8, 2024 Final Score: Rawhide 16, Nuts 3 By: Micah Mashore The Visalia Rawhide took advantage of 13 walks and 2 hit batters issued by Modesto Nuts pitching to run away from the home team. Visalia got contributions at the plate from 2B
Nuts Triumph Over Rawhide in Tight Contest
In a thrilling clash between longtime Cal League rivals, the Nuts edged out the Rawhide with a final score of 4-2, securing a come from behind victory that evens up the series at one game apiece. The Modesto Nuts' offense was slowed to start the game but came alive in
Visalia Rawhide Edge Out Modesto Nuts 13-11 in a High-Scoring Matchup
Visalia Rawhide Edge Out Modesto Nuts 13-11 in a High-Scoring Matchup In a dramatic and high-scoring encounter, the Visalia Rawhide managed to outlast the Modesto Nuts with a narrow 13-11 victory taking the series opener at John Thurman Field. The game was a rollercoaster from start to finish, with both
Teddy McGraw shines in debut but Nuts fall 7-4
MODESTO, CA — In a thrilling matchup at John Thurman Field, the 66ers emerged victorious over the Nuts, 7-4, in a clash between the CAL South and CAL North divisions. The Seattle Mariners third round pick of the 2023 MLB draft, Teddy McGraw, made his professional debut tonight with the
2024 WILL BE FINAL SEASON FOR NUTS AT JOHN THURMAN FIELD
Modesto, CA, July 10, 2024 - The Seattle Mariners and the City of Modesto announced today that a mutual agreement on a long-term lease extension for the California League Modesto Nuts could not be reached. While both entities hoped for a more favorable outcome, the negotiations were unsuccessful, and the