The Milwaukee Brewers selected first baseman Carsten Sabathia III in the 20th round of the 2026 MLB Draft. Pick No. 606. The son of former Cy Young winner CC Sabathia. A pure hitter, not a pitcher.
This is not a publicity stunt. Scouting reports show legitimate power. The 6’5”, 240-pound lefty swings a bat that generates plus exit velocity. MLB Pipeline grades his raw power at 55 on the 20-80 scale. Bleacher Report noted his “quick hands through the zone” and “above-average bat speed” during showcase circuits.
The decision to draft a legacy player in the final round drew immediate scrutiny. Is this nepotism? Brewers scouting director Todd Johnson addressed it bluntly: “We draft on talent. Carsten earned this pick on his own merit. The name doesn’t hurt, but the bat did the work.”
CC Sabathia’s connection to Milwaukee runs deep. His 2008 midseason trade sparked a playoff run and earned him the NL Cy Young. He remains a team ambassador. His son’s selection completes a narrative arc—the Brewers finish their draft “with a flourish,” as the Milwaukee Journal Sentinel put it.
Carsten Sabathia III’s scouting profile stands apart from his father’s. CC was a power pitcher. Carsten is a first baseman with a limited defensive ceiling. He projects as a designated hitter at the next level. His college stats at Fresno State show a .305 average with 15 home runs in 48 games. The power is real.
The nepotism debate misses a key point: late-round picks are low-risk. The Brewers used a 20th-round selection on a player with independent scouting grades. Teams draft for need, depth, or sentiment in these slots. This pick covers all three bases.
Carsten Sabathia III’s development path begins in Rookie ball. He needs to refine plate discipline—strikeout rate near 23% in college is a concern. Defense at first base requires work. But the raw power translates. The Brewers have a history of developing power hitters. He fits the mold.
Comparisons to Vlad Guerrero Jr. or Ken Griffey Jr. are premature. But the legacy factor creates a compelling storyline. If Carsten reaches the majors, he becomes another data point in the growing trend of MLB sons making the show.
For now, the pick is a calculated bet. Sentiment opened the door. The bat will decide if he walks through it.
💡 Frequently Asked Questions (FAQ)
- Q: Is the Brewers drafting CC Sabathia’s son an act of nepotism?
- A: While the pick has drawn scrutiny, the Brewers’ scouting director stated it was based on Carsten’s talent, not his father’s legacy. Late-round picks carry low risk, making the debate less impactful.
- Q: What are Carsten Sabathia III’s strengths as a hitter?
- A: He possesses legitimate power, with a 55-grade raw power on the 20-80 scale, above-average bat speed, and plus exit velocity. At Fresno State, he hit .305 with 15 home runs in 48 games.
- Q: How does Carsten Sabathia III differ from his father CC Sabathia?
- A: CC was a dominant power pitcher, while Carsten is a first baseman with a limited defensive ceiling, projecting as a designated hitter. His offensive profile stands on its own merit.
Extended Reading
Source: MLB.com draft coverage, Milwaukee Journal Sentinel scouting report, Bleacher Report analysis.