Why these top Brewers prospects could end up being traded at the 2026 deadline

The Milwaukee Brewers have built one of baseball's deepest farm systems, giving them plenty of flexibility as the August 3 trade deadline approaches. History suggests, however, that the front office won't mortgage that depth by parting with multiple key name prospects. Rather, they will make strategic and calculated moves.

One part of the equation the Brewers' front office is undoubtedly considering is which prospects will become Rule 5 Draft eligible after the season. That information carries significant weight, as any eligible prospect who is not added to the 40-man roster could be selected by another team and lost from the organization for essentially nothing.

Rule 5 Draft eligibility is an often-overlooked aspect of the trade deadline, but one that can influence which prospects Milwaukee is more willing to include in potential deals. Paired with the fact that the Brewers have compiled plenty of infield depth in their minor league system, these three Rule 5 eligible infielders could be moved ahead of this year's deadline.

Rule 5 Draft eligibility could lead to one of these three Brewers prospects being traded at the 2026 deadline

1B/3B Luke Adams

Since returning in June from an early-season injury, Luke Adams, the Brewers No.11 prospect per MLB Pipeline has been on a tear. Through 44 total games this year in Triple-A, the 22-year-old has accumulated a .250/.356/.556 slash line with 22 walks to 31 strikeouts and a career-best 12 home runs.

Adams has long been known for his ability to reach base by any means necessary and surprising athleticism given his 6'4" frame, but the emergence of legitimate power has been an encouraging development in his game. That added offensive dimension certainly makes him a more attractive candidate for a 40-man roster spot this offseason, either in Milwaukee or elsewhere.

1B/3B Brock Wilken

After a standout collegiate career at Wake Forest, Brock Wilken was selected 18th overall by the Brewers in the 2023 MLB Draft and will be Rule 5 Draft eligible this offseason. Unfortunately, after a strong 2025 season at the plate, it would be rather surprising to see a team target Wilken in a deadline deal, as his transition to professional baseball has not gone according to plan.

A series of freak injuries, including Wilken being hit by a pitch in the face and a knee injury during a celebration, are partly to blame for Wilken's inconsistent minor league career, but so too is his elevated strikeout rate. While he has shown flashes of his potential, particularly in the power department, Wilken continues to struggle with a low batting average (.212 overall) and strikeouts, while not producing like a first-round pick at the plate. Ultimately, a change of scenery, if the right trade presents itself, may ultimately be what is best for Wilken.

2B/CF Dylan O'Rae

While Wilken's trade value has lowered this year, 22-year-old Dylan O'Rae's has seen a significant uptick. Just a few years removed from being a top 30 Brewers prospect, per MLB Pipeline, O'Rae is picking up right where he left off after missing the entire 2025 season due to a wrist injury that required surgery. The former third-round pick from the 2022 MLB draft is slashing .288/.416/.381 through 77 Double-A games, which includes 53 walks and an incredible 40 stolen bases.

In previous seasons, O'Rae stole 44 and 62 bases while establishing himself as one of the better table-setters in the minors. He also owns an impressive .405 career on-base percentage, which pairs perfectly with his ability to put pressure on opposing pitchers and defenses on the basepaths. However, with top infield prospects such as Cooper Pratt, Jesús Made, Luis Peña, and Jett Williams ahead of him on the organizational depth chart, O'Rae could emerge as an attractive trade candidate this summer, especially with Rule 5 Draft eligibility looming this offseason.

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This article was originally published on reviewingthebrew.com as Why these top Brewers prospects could end up being traded at the 2026 deadline .