Meet Jesus Made: The Brewers’ Next Rising International Star

But the 17-year-old is more than an eye-catching name. After slashing .331/.458/.554 with six home runs in 51 games in the Dominican Summer League, Made was one of the most talked about prospects from the circuit. 

He is Baseball America’s No. 17 prospect heading into the season, and as part of the Brewers’ system–known for its strong reputation of developing international talent, Made has all the tools to become a star player. But for the switch-hitting shortstop, he always believed in the skillset he had growing up.

“I have what it takes to play baseball in the major leagues,” Made said in Spanish to Baseball America. “I have aggressiveness, intelligence and passion. I’ve always known that since I was a kid.”

With his stateside debut on the horizon, Made arrived at the Brewers complex in Phoenix in mid January. He savored the experience of flying from the Dominican Republic to the United States, and meeting with his new teammates and coaches. It can be a lot for many 17-year-olds, but for Made, it’s added motivation to continue off the success he had on the island.

“It feels rewarding to be here,” Made said. “Every day, I’m pushing myself to get better. Being in the United States for the first time has been an amazing experience, especially getting to know some of my new teammates. I feel comfortable here.”

Standing at 6-foot-1, 187 pounds, Made oozes superstar potential. But it’s his impressive metrics from the DSL that encapsulate why he’s become one of the most electrifying prospects in the game today.

Made has everything you want in a young hitter. His bat speed stands out with a 90th percentile exit velocity of 104.2 mph, with a 108.9 mph maximum exit velocity. The numbers weren’t just some of the best in the DSL in 2024; they rank as some of the most impressive among heralded prospects who have played in the circuit in years.

Made showcased a patient, disciplined approach and impressive swing decisions for his age with a 15% chase rate and 18.1% walk rate. He has an ability to make hard, quality contact and shows plus athleticism and speed, as evidenced by his 28 stolen bases. 

While his arm strength and defensive versatility sets him apart, Made’s admiration for Mets shortstop Francisco Lindor shaped him into the player he is. Growing up, Made idolized Lindor. Not just for the way he played the game, but the leadership presence Lindor displayed through the low and high points of his career.

“Made is someone that they felt had continued to get better prior to signing,” Brewers farm director Tom Flanagan said. “He had made strides with his frame and added good strength. And he continued to show off some impressive tools as he got closer and closer to signing day.”

Even those who have seen a small sample can attest to the tenacity Made has to improve.

“He knows what he wants,” Brewers Arizona Complex League manager Rafael Neda said. “You can just tell by the way he practices and how he is around his teammates. He has fun, but when it’s time to work, he takes his job seriously. You can see his desire to get better each day.”

The Brewers aren’t strangers to having a highly-touted international prospect. Just look at Jackson Chourio, who went from signing in 2021 to playing a crucial role with Milwaukee’s playoff-bound major league club as a 20-year-old in 2024.

Chourio’s success has laid the groundwork for Made. According to Flanagan, both share a similarly-advanced plate approach early in their careers and a fierce competitive drive. He added, however, that Made’s physicality at this stage is more developed than Chourio, offering a peek at Made’s potential to make an impact down the road.

“Our scouts have done an amazing job on the international market, and Made is from the next wave,” Flanagan said. “He’s someone that everyone is excited to see at our affiliates in the future, and just watching him play.  We were fortunate to just see Chourio come through the system and we want to ensure that we support Jesus in any way that we can to help him navigate along on his journey.”

Made is entering a new chapter of his career that will test his ability. His performance in the DSL might be a tough act to follow now in the United States, but Made said he’s welcomed new challenges that will push him to become better.

If he’s able to carve out his own successful path, then fans may soon recognize him not just for his unique name, but for the impact he makes on the field.

“I know who I am and what awaits me,” Made said. “I know that if I keep working hard, good things will happen for my career.”