Hunter Morris

Organization Prospect Rankings

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  Ranked Milwaukee Brewers #10 prospect in 2014
  A second-round pick out of high school, Morris didn't sign with the Red Sox and spent three years at Auburn, then was drafted two rounds later in 2010. The Southern League's player of the year in 2012, Morris had a modest encore in 2013. The Brewers had a revolving door at the position in Milwaukee but never summoned Morris, not even in September. Morris regressed into an all-or-nothing hitter in 2013 as the improvement that Morris showed with Huntsville took a step backwards at Nashville. He struck out far too often and struggled badly against lefthanded pitchers (.211/.256/.411). Morris has middle-of-the order power potential and ranked second in the Pacific Coast League in home runs despite the inconsistent year. He has averaged 24 home runs a season in his three full years in the minors. Considered a below-average first baseman when he was drafted, Morris has worked hard to make himself a better fielder but still led the PCL with nine errors. He doesn't have great range but his hands have improved and his throwing arm is adequate for the position. Morris has below-average speed and grounds into a lot of double plays (15 in 2013). Morris could still emerge as the starter in Milwaukee if the Brewers don't find a better option before Opening Day. Whether it's later than sooner, the Brewers still believe Morris can be their starter at some point.
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  Ranked Milwaukee Brewers #4 prospect in 2013
  Morris had a breakthrough 2012 season, becoming the first Brewers farmhand named Southern League MVP since Corey Hart in 2003. He led the league in hits (158), extra-base hits (74), homers (28), RBIs (113), total bases (294) and slugging (.563). Managers rated him the best batting prospect and best defensive first baseman in the league, and Rawlings honored him with a Gold Glove as the minors' top defender at his position. Morris hits with power to all fields and has produced 57 homers in 337 pro games. He has an aggressive approach at the plate but improved his plate discipline last year. He drew more walks (40) than he had in his previous 201 pro games in the minors (38) and waited more patiently for pitches to drive. Morris also made dramatic strides in the field, enhancing his footwork and cutting his errors to six after making 19 in 2011. His range remains average at best but he has good arm strength for the position. He gets no leg hits thanks to his below-average speed. The Brewers now believe Morris can be a big league regular. He'll move up to Triple-A and could be in position to start for Milwaukee in 2014, though winning a job will be more difficult if Corey Hart remains at first base.
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  Ranked Milwaukee Brewers #14 prospect in 2012
  Morris turned down the Red Sox as a second-round pick out of high school in 2007, then spent three years at Auburn and signed as a fourth-rounder in 2010. He has the most usable power in the system and clearly is the Brewers' top first-base prospect, but he also has to address a couple of glaring flaws in his game. Morris generates his pop more with strength than bat speed. He does a good job of making consistent contact and is equally dangerous against lefthanders and righthanders. How well his power will play at high levels will depend on his ability to tone down his aggressiveness. He has just 38 walks and a .303 on-base percentage in 201 pro games. Morris will have to produce at the plate, because he didn't show much in brief trials as a third baseman and outfielder, limiting him to first base. He has a lot of work to do defensively after leading Florida State League first basemen with 19 errors last year, many the product of substandard range and footwork. He does have good arm strength for the position. While he's a below-average runner, Morris isn't bad once he gets going. He'll spend 2012 in Double-A, working on his plate discipline and defense.
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  Ranked Milwaukee Brewers #17 prospect in 2011
  Drafted in the second round out of high school in 2007 by the Red Sox, Morris opted not to sign and instead accepted a scholarship to Auburn. He was a freshman All-American but his production fell off dramatically as a sophomore. Morris responded by getting in the best shape of his life, stunning scouts with a 6.75 time in the 60-year-dash. Still, he was unable to improve his draft stock from three years before and was taken in the fourth round by the Brewers last June, signing quickly for a $218,700 bonus. Morris has good power but gets too aggressive at times and doesn't draw many walks. Some scouts have questioned his pure bat speed and grade his hitting ability ahead of his power. Morris, who played some left field at Wisconsin, has improved but remains a below-average defender at first base and needs improvement in his footwork and range. Accordingly, the decision was made in instructional league and later in the Arizona Fall League to convert him to a third baseman. Morris showed a strong enough arm to handle the position and was working diligently to improve his footwork. He is a dedicated worker, takes instruction well and shows mental toughness on the field. Morris probably will begin

• December, 2012 Scouting Report
  Background: Morris, who signed for $218,700 as a fourth-rounder in 2010, had a breakthrough 2012 season, becoming the first Brewers farmhand named Double-A Southern League MVP since Corey Hart in 2003. He led the league in hits (158), extra-base hits (74), homers (28), RBIs (113), total bases (294) and slugging (.563). Managers rated him the best batting prospect and best defensive first baseman in the league, and Rawlings honored him with a Gold Glove as the minors' top defender at his position. Scouting Report: Morris hits with power to all fields and has produced 57 homers in 337 minor league games. He has an aggressive approach at the plate but improved his plate discipline last year. He drew more walks (40) than he had in his previous 201 games in the minors (38) and waited more patiently for pitches to drive. Morris also made dramatic strides in the field, enhancing his footwork and cutting his errors to six after making 19 in 2011. His range remains average at best, but he has good arm strength for a first baseman. He gets no leg hits thanks to his below-average speed. The Future: The Brewers now believe Morris can be a big league regular. He'll move up to Triple-A and could be in position to start for Milwaukee in 2014, though winning a job will be more difficult if Hart remains at first base.