Brewers trade speedy switch-hitting outfielder to Phillies

The Milwaukee Brewers' front office is always looking for ways to improve their 40-man roster depth. As clearly evidenced by the number of injuries that the Brewers have already endured this season, having big-league talent throughout the 40-man roster is necessary to find success throughout a 162-game season.

Last year, the Brewers' outfield group suffered numerous injuries during the early parts of the regular season, prompting Matt Arnold and company to acquire several outfielders over the course of the season. With Blake Perkins on the injured list to start the season after fracturing his shin in Spring Training, and Garrett Mitchell joining him on the IL at the end of April, the Brewers outfield group was thin.

An early season acquisition of Daz Cameron, son of former Brewer Mike Cameron, helped weather the storm, but the Brewers still needed big-league ready outfield depth at the Triple-A level. As a result, in early July of last year, the Brewers acquired switch-hitting outfielder Steward Berroa from the Los Angeles Dodgers in exchange for cash considerations.

At the time, Berroa had just 28 games of big-league experience to his name, but a very "Brewersy" profile made him an intriguing addition to Milwaukee's 40-man roster. With elite speed and excellent defensive abilities, Berroa fits the mold that the Brewers have come to prioritize in recent seasons.

However, in order to make room for Cooper Pratt on the 40-man roster, the Brewers designated Berroa for assignment earlier this week. Rather than see him head to waivers, Milwaukee has found a trade partner for Berroa, agreeing to a deal with the Philadelphia Phillies that was first reported by Adam McCalvy of MLB.com.

Brewers trade outfielder Steward Berroa to Philadelphia Phillies for cash considerations

Berroa appeared in just two games for the big-league club during his nine-month stint in the Brewers' organization. However, those two games were rather important ones, as they were the 13th and 14th consecutive wins during the Brewers' franchise record-breaking winning streak last August. Though Berroa didn't record a hit in six plate appearances during those two games, he did collect a walk, a stolen base, and cut down a runner at home plate while playing center field.

The 26-year-old switch-hitting Berroa, who possesses excellent speed on the basepaths, now joins a Phillies organization where he will replace right-hander Yoniel Curet on Philadelphia's 40-man roster. Though Berroa's career offensive statline doesn't leave much for Phillies fans to be excited about, his .843 OPS in 41 games in the Dominican Winter League at least offers an encouraging sign for the Philadelphia faithful.

Meanwhile, the Brewers are left with a still very deep 40-man outfield group of Akil Baddoo (60-day IL), Jackson Chourio (10-day IL), Sal Frelick, Brandon Lockridge, Luis Matos, Garrett Mitchell, Blake Perkins, and Christian Yelich. Paired with Jake Bauers and Tyler Black (minors), both of whom can man a corner outfield position, the Brewers still have plenty of outfield depth without Berroa on their roster.