What to know about fast-rising Brewers pitching prospect Craig Yoho

Craig Yoho wasn’t on the radars of many coming into the year, but he sure is now.

The Milwaukee Brewers pitching prospect has had a whale of a 2024 season, working his way through three levels of the minor leagues and now is in the discussion for a late-season call-up to the majors.

Yoho began his first year of pro ball this season with Class A Wisconsin, where he gave up one earned run and struck out 37 in 20⅓ innings, and has continued that dominance all the way through Class AAA Nashville, where he is currently pitching.

Here’s what to know about the fast-rising prospect.

When did the Brewers draft Craig Yoho?

The Brewers selected Yoho in the eighth round of the 2023 MLB draft out of Indiana University. He signed for $10,000, the fourth-lowest signing bonus of any player taken in the 20-round draft.

Where is Yoho from?

Yoho is from Fishers, Indiana, and attended Fishers High School. He also attended the University of Houston before transferring to Indiana.

How old is Yoho?

Yoho is 24 years old.

How tall is Yoho?

Yoho is 6 foot 3.

Where is Yoho ranked as a prospect?

The Journal Sentinel ranked Yoho as the No. 12 prospect in the system earlier this season, though he has certainly made a case to move higher in the rankings since that update. MLB.com ranks him as the organization’s 20th-best prospect, as does Baseball America.

What is Yoho’s best pitch?

Yoho’s best pitch is his changeup, which has drawn plenty of attention in the minors for its heavy movement, both horizontally and vertically. He also throws a 92-93 mph four-seam fastball, a mid-70s slider/curveball and a cutter in the upper-80s.

What is Yoho’s injury history?

Yoho has had two Tommy John surgeries, one in 2019 and the other in 2021, both performed when he was in college. He also dislocated a kneecap in 2022 and had to undergo surgery to repair it. 

How has he performed in the minor leagues?

Yoho has taken the minors by storm in his first year of pro ball. In 39 games and 48⅔ innings out of the bullpen, he has a 0.74 ERA and 0.822 WHIP. He has struck out 92 batters while allowing only 15 walks.

When will Yoho make his MLB debut?

It’s possible that the Brewers give Yoho a look down the stretch in the 2024 season, though based upon the crowded bullpen mix they have it’s just as likely he’ll have to wait until early 2025 to make his debut.

What is Yoho’s long-term outlook?

Yoho is viewed as a relief-only prospect, in part because of his injury history. He does feature a true four-pitch mix but projects to be an important piece of the Brewers bullpen for years to come.