Abreu signed with Milwaukee for $800K in 2016. He played in the DSL and AZL in 2017 before being held back in Extended Spring Training to begin last season, showing an intriguing speed/power toolset upon being assigned to the Pioneer League. I got a look at the athletic outfielder on the backfields this spring, where he showed both upside and overall rawness to his game.

Abreu’s athletic 6-foot frame is wound tight with quick-twitch muscle. That leads to good raw power for a center-diamond defender, which he showed by ambushing a fastball in the first inning for a towering pullside home run. He takes an aggressive cut with limited bat control, causing more present issues squaring up soft stuff. Abreu swung over numerous off-speed pitches in my look, and his 25-percent strikeout rate last summer in short-season ball hints that he’ll need to further shore up his approach. He moves well in the outfield with an easy defensive gait, covering ground with long strides. Abreu has the body type to remain in CF even as his frame continues to mature.

The ingredients are here for a solid role player or low-end regular presuming Abreu adds polish at the plate. He has the tools to impact numerous facets of the game, with the speed, defense, and athleticism to contribute in a bench role even if the bat doesn’t fully come on. A high-ceiling lottery ticket with plenty of risk, Abreu will get his first crack at full-season ball in 2019.