Rarely does a ninth round draft pick have as much impact on a Major League Baseball team as Milwaukee Brewers Isaac Colins has had on the Brewers.
A switch-hitting outfielder, Collins, has been a huge contributor to the Brewers overwhelming success.
In the 2019 MLB draft, the Colorado Rockies selected Collins in the ninth round, out of Creighton University.
The Rockies gave Collins a $150,500 signing bonus.
On December 7, 2022, the Brewers selected Collins from the Rockies in the minor league Rule 5 draft.
Not all Rule 5 selections are as successful as the Brewers signing of Isaac Collins.
In a tied Brewers game August 8 against the New York Mets, Collins hit the game winning homer in the bottom of the 9th inning.
Collins was named the National League Rookie of the Month for July 2025.
On August 11, Collins was named the National League Player of the Week.
Collins turned 28, July 22,
Collins spent parts of five seasons in his minor league development program, before making his MLB debut September 8, 2024, against the team that drafted him, the Colorado Rockies.
With his rookie status still in tact, in the month of August, Collins has 16 hits in 46 plate appearances. He has also walked four times.
More About Isaac Collins:
At 5-8, 188 pounds, Collins does not present an imposing figure on the baseball field.
But Collins is scrappy. He is an intense competitor, cut right out of the Brewers mold created by manager Pay Murphy.
Isaac Collins went to Maple Grove Senior High School, in Maple Grove, Minnesota.
Collins attended Creighton, where he played baseball at the collegiate level, and in summer leagues in the Northwoods League in 2017, and the highly regarded Cape Cod League in 2018.
While at Creighton, Collins played three seasons. He left with a stat line of .281/.375/.414/.789, with 10 home runs, and 69 RBIs. He stole 36 bases in 47 attempts.
No one tool stands out in Collins’ game. However, when a player “comes to play, and brings it all” like Collins has done, he can make up for size with great knowledge of his own limitations, and a big heart.
It was Collins’ summer league appearances that caught the attention of scouts.
As Collins told WCCO, CBS News in Minnesota, “I just remind myself each day that this isn’t here forever. You gotta take it one day at a time and soak it all in, and have fun with it.”
Collins is having fun. So are his Brewers teammates.
Scouting Isaac Collins.
At 27-years-old, Collins was a bit older when he finally made his big league debut.
A very versatile player, Collins is a manager’s dream. He has played second, third, left, center and right as a professional.
This year, the Brewers have used him at second third, left, right, and as a designated hitter.
His size means Collins has a relatively small strike zone which he can control. Pitchers have to be careful about how and where they locate pitches.
A patient, and disciplined hitter, Collins knows the strike zone. He doesn’t often get overly aggressive and expand his reach on pitches.
It is not unusual for Collins to take a pitcher deep in counts, earning his share of walks.
Equally sound mechanically from both sides of the plate, Collins can take a pitch where it is thrown.
His hit tool, his ability to hit for average, is probably Collins’ most advanced skill.
Collins has excellent contact skills, and is difficult to strike out.
As his August 10 home run illustrated, Collins has some sneaky pop in his bat.
Likely fully developed physically, and as a baseball player, Collins runs well. He can steal bases, and he can take an extra base when appropriate.
An average outfielder, Collins won’t win a gold glove. He does, however, make all the plays. He takes sound routes in the outfield, has a good arm, and can be counted upon to perform well at any position.
Scouting Grade: 55
A Grade 55 indicates an above major league average player.
This year, Collins is hitting .295/.395/.448/.843. with eight homers, 40 RBIs, and 13 stolen bases. He has walked 40 times, and struck out only 71 times in 316 plate appearances.
There isn’t much ceiling remaining in Isaac Collins’ game. However, he is a well above average major league quality baseball player, with multiple skills.
With good baseball instincts, and with enough athletic ability to be a versatile player, Isaac Collins has the ability, the baseball demeanor, and the confidence to continue to contribute to the winning Milwaukee Brewers team culture.