There’s a new buzz in the Fox Valley, and it’s coming off the bat of Blake Burke. The Milwaukee Brewers’ 2024 first-round pick is turning heads with the High-A Wisconsin Timber Rattlers, showing the kind of promise that has fans and front office alike dreaming of his future at American Family Field.
Wm. Glasheen USA TODAY NETWORK-Wisconsin
Brewers Prospect Blake Burke Turning Heads
A Slugger on the Rise
Burke, a 6-foot-3, 236-pound left-handed first baseman out of Tennessee, was drafted 34th overall by Milwaukee and signed for $2.1 million. He was known in college for his prodigious power and aggressive approach. His transition to professional pitching was expected to come with growing pains. Early in the 2025 season, those challenges were evident. He posted a modest .226 average with just four extra-base hits through his first 16 games. But the Brewers’ brass never wavered in their belief. That patience is paying off.
Over a recent six-game stretch, Burke erupted for 10 hits, including four for extra bases, catapulting his slash line to .289/.391/.447. This boosted his OPS by 150 points in less than a week. As of June, Burke is batting .327 with 17 multi-hit games, a testament to both his raw power and his ability to make adjustments.
Adjustments and Approach
What sets Burke apart isn’t just the exit velocity. Though he’s among the Brewers’ top prospects in that category, it’s his improved discipline at the plate. His strikeout rate sits at a manageable 22.2 percent. He’s also drawing walks at an impressive clip, showing a more refined approach than many anticipated at this stage. Burke’s ability to cover all quadrants of the zone and his willingness to work counts have made him a tough out in the Midwest League.
Blake Burke boosts his average to .327 and records his 17th multi-hit game of the season. SHEESH!
@blakeburke_ #TRatNation pic.twitter.com/zGJs0GiaH9
— Wisconsin Timber Rattlers (@TimberRattlers) June 8, 2025
Impact in Appleton and Beyond
Burke’s bat has been a catalyst for the Timber Rattlers’ offense. In a recent 7-5 win over Cedar Rapids, he notched another multi-hit game and drove in a key run. This performance raised his average and solidified his place as a middle-of-the-order threat. His performance is drawing attention not just in Appleton, but throughout the Brewers’ system. The focus remains on developing young, controllable talent.
What’s Next for Burke?
The Brewers’ build for the future centers on players like Burke. He has high upside and a power-first bat, which could anchor a lineup for years to come. If his current trajectory continues, a promotion to Double-A Biloxi by season’s end is within reach. The only question is how quickly he can refine his approach against more advanced pitching and whether his bat will play at the next level. For now, Blake Burke is giving Timber Rattlers fans plenty to cheer about. He also gives the Brewers a glimpse of a potential cornerstone for the next contending club.
Keep an eye on Burke. He is a young prospect for the Crew with a combination of power, improving plate discipline, and a knack for coming up big in key moments. He’s rapidly becoming one of the most intriguing prospects in the Brewers’ pipeline. If he keeps this up, it won’t be long before Milwaukee fans are watching him launch home runs in the big leagues.
Main Photo Credit: © Dave Kallmann / Milwaukee Journal Sentinel / USA TODAY NETWORK via Imagn Images
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