Brewers prospect Frank Cairone boasts elite spin and high-90s velocity. This young lefty's raw talent offers a glimpse into Milwaukee's future pitching dominance.
The Milwaukee Brewers may have found a high-upside arm in left-hander Frank Cairone, a selection that raised eyebrows when it was made but already looks increasingly intriguing. Taken 68th overall out of New Jersey, Cairone was one of the youngest players in the draft class, turning heads not just for his age but for the raw tools he brought with him.
At just 17 years old on Draft Day, Cairone already showed traits that are difficult to teach. His breaking ball stood out immediately, with a slider that generated elite spin rates during pre-draft evaluations, flashing the kind of movement that can miss bats at higher levels. His fastball also impressed scouts, sitting comfortably in the low-to-mid 90s and touching 95 mph, aided by exceptional extension that makes the pitch play even faster to hitters.
For a prep left-hander, the foundation is firmly in place. Cairone’s size, arm speed, and pitch characteristics give Milwaukee plenty to work with as he transitions into professional baseball. The next step will be refining his durability and learning how to maintain his velocity deeper into outings, a common challenge for young pitchers making the jump from high school competition to the pro ranks.
That development will be a major focus during his first full offseason in a professional strength and conditioning program. Added physical maturity and improved stamina could allow Cairone to take a noticeable step forward as early as his age-18 season. If the velocity holds and the slider continues to progress, his draft-day profile could look far less surprising in hindsight.
The Brewers have a strong track record of developing pitching, particularly with arms that possess standout pitch traits. Cairone fits that mold as a projection-heavy lefty whose ceiling could rise quickly with proper guidance. While he remains several years away from the majors, his combination of youth, raw stuff, and organizational fit makes him one of the more fascinating arms in Milwaukee’s system entering 2026.
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