The Philadelphia Phillies acquired a Minor League outfielder in a trade with the Milwaukee Brewers.
The depth outfield was a big focus for the Philadelphia Phillies during the offseason and heading into spring training, and it remains a point of emphasis two weeks into the regular season.
The organization announced on Wednesday that it had agreed to a trade with the Milwaukee Brewers for a Minor League outfielder. The Phillies acquired Steward Berroa from the Brewers in exchange for cash considerations.
Berroa was immediately optioned to Triple-A Lehigh Valley, and to make room on the 40-man roster for the 26-year-old, the Phillies designated RHP Yoneil Curet for assignment.
Milwaukee designated Berroa for assignment a few days ago to make room on their roster for one of their top prospects, Cooper Pratt, who recently signed a long-term extension with the team.
Berroa was signed by the Toronto Blue Jays as an international free agent all the way back in 2016. After almost a decade of playing Minor League ball with multiple organizations, he finally made his MLB debut in 2024 and has appeared in 30 big-league games over the last two years.
The switch-hitter only has seven hits (.167 AVG) at the big-league level, but has had some more success in the Minors. Berroa owns a Minor League career OPS of .733, and his best season came in 2024, when he logged a .281/.371/.454 slash line with Triple-A Buffalo.
One of Berroa’s biggest strengths is his speed. He’s still 34 or more stolen bases in each of the last four Minor League seasons.
Mar 9, 2025; Port Charlotte, Florida, USA; Toronto Blue Jays outfielder Steward Berroa (37) hits a RBI single during the sixth inning against the Tampa Bay Rays at Charlotte Sports Park. Mandatory Credit: Kim Klement Neitzel-Imagn ImagesAs for how this trade affects the Phillies, it gives them another outfielder and adds more depth in the position group across the organization.
Philly’s outfield core on the Major League roster consists of Adolis Garcia, Brandon Marsh, Justin Crawford, and Otto Kemp. Bryan De La Cruz is an option down in the Minors. Gabriel Rincones Jr. is still working to get back on the field after suffering knee soreness during Spring Training.
If the Phillies are faced with the need for a fourth outfielder at the big-league level at any point this season, it wouldn’t be shocking to see Berroa up with the team at any point this year.
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