The Royals have added infielder/outfielder Jacob Berry in a trade with the Marlins, according to Isaac Azout of Fish on First. Miami receives cash in the deal.
Even with the trade deadline in the rearview mirror, this kind of move is still allowed for players who have not spent the entire season on a 40-man roster, as MLBTR noted earlier today.
Berry’s name carried a lot more shine when the Marlins drafted him sixth overall in 2022 and gave him a $6MM bonus. At LSU, the switch-hitter had just put together a monster .370/.464/.630 line, and Miami was clearly betting the bat would carry him. Defense was never viewed as his calling card, but the hope was that the offense would be loud enough to make it matter.
That hasn’t happened in pro ball. Across 1,933 plate appearances in the minors, Berry has hit 35 home runs and posted a .245/.325/.377 slash line, good for a 98 wRC+. He was also left unprotected in the most recent Rule 5 draft and went unselected.
There are still a few things to like in the profile. In 302 Triple-A plate appearances this season, Berry has worked a 15.2% walk rate against a 14.2% strikeout rate.
The power has been light - just four homers - but the on-base skills have helped him to a .251/.372/.362 line and a 103 wRC+. He’s also chipped in on the bases, stealing 27 bags last year and 18 already this year.
Defensively, Berry has seen time all over the field except shortstop and the battery. That versatility may be what makes him appealing to Kansas City, which could see a useful bench or utility piece if the bat and speed play. If he isn’t added right away, he’ll serve as Triple-A depth for now.
He’d be eligible for the Rule 5 draft again this offseason if he still doesn’t land on a roster, unless the draft is canceled the way it was during the last lockout.
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