The Philadelphia Phillies made a roster move by acquiring outfielder Steward Berroa from the Milwaukee Brewers in exchange for cash considerations. Following the trade, the team assigned Berroa to Triple-A Lehigh Valley to continue his development. To make room for him on the 40-man roster, the Phillies designated right-handed pitcher Yoniel Curet for assignment, putting his future with the organization in question.
Berroa, who will turn 27 in June, has only limited experience at the major league level. He appeared in 28 games with the Toronto Blue Jays in 2024 and briefly suited up for the Brewers last season, playing in just two games. His offensive numbers in the majors have not been impressive so far, as he holds a .167 batting average with a .314 on-base percentage and a .190 slugging percentage over 51 plate appearances. While those numbers may not stand out, they do not fully capture his value as a player.
Where Berroa truly excels is in his speed and defensive ability. In the minor leagues, he has consistently demonstrated elite base-stealing skills, often surpassing 40 stolen bases in a season. Although he recorded 34 steals in both the 2024 and 2025 seasons, he did so in fewer than 90 games each year, which projects to a much higher total over a full season. His defensive metrics have also been encouraging. In a relatively small sample size of 120 innings in the major leagues, he has already accumulated five Defensive Runs Saved and three Outs Above Average, suggesting he can be a reliable glove in the outfield. Additionally, his Triple-A performance offers some hope that his bat could still develop, as he has posted a solid .255/.353/.373 line across more than 600 plate appearances at that level.
The Phillies’ decision to acquire Berroa highlights their concern about outfield depth. Currently, rookie Justin Crawford is being tested as the team’s center fielder and has shown early promise with a .324 batting average. However, that production has come in a very small sample size, and his unusually high batting average on balls in play suggests that regression could be on the horizon. If Crawford struggles or needs more seasoning in the minors, the Phillies will need reliable alternatives.
Complicating matters further, Johan Rojas—who would typically serve as a backup option—has been suspended for 80 games due to a performance-enhancing drug violation. As a result, the Phillies have been relying on utility players like Dylan Moore and Otto Kemp to provide outfield depth behind Crawford, Adolis García, and Brandon Marsh. Adding Berroa gives the team another option who can be called upon if needed, especially since he still has one minor league option remaining and can stay in Triple-A until an opportunity arises. Other depth options include Pedro León and Gabriel Rincones Jr., who are also part of the organization.
Meanwhile, Curet’s designation for assignment creates uncertainty for the young pitcher. The 23-year-old was previously a prospect in the Tampa Bay Rays system before being acquired by the Phillies earlier this offseason. He has yet to appear in a game this year and has recently been reassigned within the minor league system. Now placed in DFA status, Curet could be traded, claimed off waivers, or outrighted to the minors if he clears.
Despite his lack of major league experience, Curet has shown promise in the minors. Over more than 370 innings, he has recorded an impressive 3.10 ERA and a high strikeout rate of over 30 percent. However, his development has been hindered by control issues, as evidenced by a walk rate nearing 14 percent. As the Phillies explore their options, Curet’s potential may still attract interest from other teams looking for a young arm with upside.
Overall, the move reflects Philadelphia’s effort to strengthen its depth, particularly in the outfield, while also making difficult roster decisions to maintain flexibility.
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