MILWAUKEE — The Milwaukee Brewers have added top prospects including Josh Hader and Lewis Brinson to their 40-man roster, while claiming minor leaguer and Milwaukee native Adam Walker off waivers from the Twins.
Also added was 2010 Camas High grad Taylor Williams, a right-handed pitcher. He was a fourth-round draft pick in 2013 out of Kent State University.
According to the Brewers’ website, Williams impressed enough in the fall instructional league to earn 40-man roster protection, despite the fact he has yet to pitch above A-ball.
“He proved that he was healthy,” Brewers general manager David Stearns said. “His velocity came back to where it was pre-surgery, and we thought it was in our best interest to protect him and make sure he stays a Brewer.”
Hader, a left-handed starter, and Brinson, an outfielder, are considered two of the best prospects in the game. The Brewers also added two other minor league outfielders in Brett Phillips and Ryan Cordell to their 40-man roster.
Walker hit .243 with 27 homers and 75 RBIs in 132 games for Triple-A Rochester last season. He struck out 202 times.
The slugger is looking to cut down on his strikeouts and get more disciplined at the plate. Walker can play both right and left fields.
Walker said Friday that he was excited for a fresh start. The Twins’ third-round draft pick in 2012 attended Milwaukee Lutheran High school, and his family still lives in the city.
“I was born and raised in Milwaukee, and I’ve been watching the Brewers my whole life,” the 25-year-old Walker said. “It’s pretty cool.”
