Brice Turang -- Prospect Evaluation

Brice Turang, a 2018 first-round pick (21st overall) by the Milwaukee Brewers from Santiago High School in Corona, California, was highly regarded for his polished bat and defensive skills but fell in the draft due to concerns about his power projection and physical frame. Signed to a $3.4 million bonus, Turang made steady progress through the minor leagues but struggled with power production, hitting just four home runs in his first 171 professional games with an isolated power of .081. His 2021 season at Double-A and Triple-A showed improvement defensively and in plate discipline, but he maintained a utility-level profile, posting a .715 OPS at Double-A and .695 at Triple-A while stealing 20 bases on 29 attempts. The turning point came in 2022 when Turang implemented significant swing adjustments, specifically addressing lower half consistency issues that had hindered his power generation. His previous swing featured excessive crouch in his legs and difficulty maintaining his back hip position against off-speed and elevated pitches, forcing him to rely too heavily on his arms. These 2022 changes yielded dramatic results: Turang slugged over .400 for the first time as a professional, more than doubled his home run output to 13, and set career highs with 24 doubles and 34 stolen bases. These improvements position him as a legitimate prospect to compete for an everyday role at second base rather than remaining a utility option.

Brice Turang, the Milwaukee Brewers' No. 2 prospect, was selected 21st overall in the 2018 MLB Draft. The 20-year-old shortstop/second baseman stands 6'0" and 173 lbs with a projected 2023 major league arrival. In 2019 at Carolina Mudcats (A Advanced), Turang posted a .256/.367/.340 slash line with 3 home runs, 30 stolen bases, and a 111 wRC+. His scouting profile reveals that while his tools are not individually standout, he demonstrates excellent baseball intelligence and work ethic. His most notable attribute is his speed (60/60 grade), with solid arm strength (55/55) and fielding ability (50/55). However, his hit tool (35/50) and power grades (raw 40/45, present 30/40) suggest limited offensive ceiling.

Turang's development has shown meaningful progress between 2018 and 2019. His 2018 rookie ball season yielded a .283 average without explosive production. The 2019 campaign revealed both improvements and concerns: cleaner swing mechanics and contact quality improved, but this was accompanied by increased strikeout rates (17.9% K%). Scouts note his tendency to rely heavily on his upper body in his swing, with work needed to maintain tall mechanics with minimal unnecessary movement.

Physically, Turang is not imposing for the position, but his skill set and intangibles suit middle infield. His aggressive approach between the bases and clean contact ability provide foundation for continued development. However, his 2019 numbers suggest he may revert to previous mechanical approaches. The recent ascension of 2020 draftee Garrett Mitchell to the organization's No. 1 prospect ranking indicates the Brewers view Turang's upside as more modest, likely a utility middle infielder or backup rather than a star prospect.

Brice Turang was drafted 21st overall in the 2018 MLB Draft by the Milwaukee Brewers after establishing himself as the top high school player in the nation. A four-year varsity starter at Santiago High in Corona, California, Turang also represented USA Baseball's 18U National Team in 2016 and 2017, competing alongside future top-2 overall picks Royce Lewis and Hunter Greene. Scouts widely regarded him as the best player on that national team despite missing international tournament play due to injury.

Turang possesses several elite tools that define his prospect profile. He is recognized as the best pure hitter and best defensive infielder in his class, with a polished left-handed swing, advanced plate discipline, and a patient approach. His most prominent tool is his speed, rated as plus to plus-plus, which provides value both offensively on the basepaths and defensively with his ability to cover significant ground at shortstop. He demonstrates strong footwork, sure hands, and the ability to make throws from multiple angles and on the run.

The primary concern regarding Turang's projection stems from his physical dimensions. At 6'0" and 176 pounds, evaluators question whether his frame will support significant power development at the professional level, with most scouts anticipating only fringe-average raw power. Despite lacking a collection of 6 and 7-grade tools, Turang's well-rounded skill set, proven track record against elite competition, and premium defensive position as a left-handed hitter secured his first-round selection. He has been ranked as high as the Brewers' #1 prospect (2020-2021) throughout his minor league tenure before his MLB debut on March 30, 2023.

Brice Turang is a 19-year-old shortstop prospect in the Milwaukee Brewers minor league system. Evaluated by Forest Stulting in late July 2019 while playing for the Wisconsin Timber Rattlers (Low A affiliate), Turang possesses a medium frame with a wiry, athletic build described as close to maxed out physically with quick-twitch capabilities and plus body control.

Turang demonstrates significant offensive strengths centered on his hit tool (60 grade), featuring a level swing with plus barrel control, plus pitch selection, and excellent zone control with a line-to-line approach. His baserunning and speed grade of 60 reflects elite athleticism—described as running "like a deer" with easy speed, quick agility, long strides, and plus instincts as a base-stealing threat. Defensively, his glove grades at 60 with plus range, smooth mechanics, soft hands, and plus instincts.

The primary offensive limitation is his power tool (40 grade), reflecting insufficient strength to generate consistent over-the-fence power, indicating a contact-hitter approach. Overall, Turang carries a medium risk factor with a 60 overall future potential grade and an MLB ETA of 2021, positioning him as a prospect with high-ceiling defensive and speed skills but limited power production expectations.

Brice Turang was drafted 21st overall by the Milwaukee Brewers in 2018 from a Southern California high school, potentially falling victim to prospect fatigue after an accomplished amateur career on the showcase circuit and with Team USA. Upon signing, he demonstrated immediate polish by posting a .283/.396/.352 slash line in the Pioneer League, exhibiting a patient approach that resulted in walk rates nearly matching strikeout rates.

Physically, Turang carries his 6-foot frame with lean, quick-twitch muscularity, functioning as a plus athlete with strong defensive actions at shortstop. He displays adequate arm strength and quick transfer mechanics for the position. Offensively, his short, efficient stroke generates significant contact but currently lacks the strength and lift necessary for substantial power production. His approach is notably mature and fearless, working counts effectively to generate favorable pitching situations.

Projections suggest Turang will develop into a 50-grade hitter who consistently draws walks, with potential for 40-45 grade power through continued strength development. However, any emerging power is more likely to manifest as gap sting rather than over-the-fence production. His long-term value as a 2-3 WAR everyday contributor depends critically on maintaining shortstop eligibility, where his polished all-around skill set positions him as a higher-floor prospect than typical recent high school draft picks, though with uncertain ceiling.