BEVERLY HILLS, Mich. - Zavier Warren knew the plan leading into the recent Major League Baseball Draft.

“With just a five-round draft, if my name was called I was definitely going to go,” explained Warren. “I’ve had a good college career, but now I’m ready for pro ball and to start the journey to the big leagues.”

It is a ride that began in high school at Birmingham Groves and now has Warren on the way to Milwaukee after being drafted by the Brewers in the third round with the 92nd pick of the MLB Draft.

“Groves coach Shawn Morrison was a lot of fun,” Warren reflected. “We played with a lot of energy and had a couple good years in a row. I got offered by Central (Michigan) and Oakland but knew Central was the right fit for me so I committed as a junior.”

A versatile switch-hitter ranked ninth in the state in Michigan’s 2017 class at the time, Warren excelled from the beginning with the Chippewas, starting 50 games as a freshman before becoming the 22nd All-American in program history a season later after hitting .359 with eight home runs and a .578 slugging percentage.

“My plan was to earn a spot right away, while ultimately thinking I’d be gone in three years,” Warren admitted.

That became a reality.

“I didn’t know what to expect with just five rounds,” noted Warren, in reference to the draft being reduced from the normal 40 rounds this year. “I’m really thankful I was able to get drafted but I also feel that I earned it.”

It was an exciting time before and during the selection process.

“Leading up to the draft I was thinking the third or fourth round, but you never know with the draft,” explained Warren, who “talked with a lot of teams” prior including the Padres and Cubs. “We had virtual meetings on zoom to get to know each other since you couldn’t do any workouts with the virus.”

Aaron Wilson, PBR Michigan Director of Scouting, has known Warren for some time.

“Zavier has been a guy with a unique skill set since I first met him when he was 12,” Wilson said. “He’s a switch-hitting catcher that has the ability to play all nine positions on the diamond.” 

A catcher coming out of high school, Warren was mainly a shortstop in college, though he also saw action at third base and first base as well as behind the plate. But when it came time for the draft, the Brewers took the 6-0 190-pounder as a catcher.

“I’ve played all over,” Warren related. “That’s some of the value I bring to a team, I play all over the field, I can catch and I also switch hit. I’ll do whatever the organization wants. I’m just a guy that loves to play the game wherever you put me.”

Warren had a big season in 2019 earning first team All-MAC honors for both the regular season and tournament.

“Last year he was able to display his talent on the national stage helping lead CMU to the NCAA Regional defeating the University of Miami,” Wilson noted. “His ability to consistently barrel the ball makes him an asset. I’m excited to see how his career goes.”

Warren was with family and a few friends for the draft.

“It all happened so fast,” Warren reflected. “I got off the phone and ran inside and it was already on TV.”

Warren admitted that turning professional was an easy choice over staying in college.

“We already agreed,” Warren said about what he would do once drafted by the Brewers. “We’re still working through the money, so it’s not official yet, but me and the other draft picks have a date set up to get a physical, go to Milwaukee (this week) and get started.”

The Birmingham Groves product looks forward to what is ahead, including continuing work on his college degree when time allows.

“Number one, I want to improve my catcher defense if that’s what I’m going to do,” pointed out Warren, who worked out in a friend’s garage during the COVID-19 stay-at-home order to stay in baseball shape. “Secondly, I want to continue developing as a hitter. You’ve got to hit to get to the big leagues. Those are the two things I’m going to focus on.”

After being cooped up throughout the pandemic, getting selected in the MLB Draft brings obvious joy to the 21-year-old, who now looks ahead with anticipation to a bright future.

“Now that I’m gone and all is said and done, I’m excited and looking forward to playing again, whenever that is,” Warren concluded. “I can’t wait to get my pro career started.”