The Milwaukee Brewers took some hits in the 2025 Minor League Rule 5 Draft, losing a handful of intriguing prospects who had the potential to impact the club's upper minors-and possibly more. Among those departing were outfielders Hedbert Pérez and Garrett Spain, both of whom had the tools and track records to open 2026 in Triple-A.
Zavier Warren, who’s logged significant time in the outfield the past two seasons, was another versatile piece the organization had to let go. Add in Nate Peterson, Caden Vire, and Hansel Rincón, and you’re looking at a sizeable chunk of Milwaukee’s depth walking out the door.
But GM Matt Arnold didn’t waste time filling the gaps. The Brewers responded with a pair of savvy, upside-laden additions: Akil Baddoo and Greg Jones.
Baddoo comes in on a one-year major league deal, while Jones joins the fold on a minor league contract with a spring training invite. Neither signing will dominate headlines, but both could end up playing real roles in Milwaukee’s 2026 plans.
Let’s start with Baddoo. The left-handed outfielder brings the kind of big-league experience that stands out in this context.
He’s logged time across five seasons with the Tigers, and while he hasn’t quite recaptured the spark of his 2021 rookie campaign-when he broke out as a Rule 5 success story and posted a 2.1 bWAR-he’s still just 27 and comes with a skillset built around athleticism, speed, and sneaky pop. With one minor league option year remaining, he’s likely ticketed for Triple-A to start the year, but don’t be surprised if he’s among the first names called should the Brewers need outfield help.
Greg Jones, meanwhile, is a name that might’ve slipped under the radar for casual fans, but he’s no stranger to high expectations. A former first-round pick by the Rays, Jones has only seen eight big-league plate appearances over two seasons, but his profile is built around elite speed and defensive versatility. He’s played both infield and outfield, giving Milwaukee a flexible chess piece who could thrive in a utility role if his bat holds up.
These moves come in response to a clear void. With Pérez, Spain, and Warren gone, and 2025 contributors like Drew Avans, Daz Cameron, and Jimmy Herron no longer in the system, the Brewers needed to reload their outfield depth. While Steward Berroa and Brandon Lockridge remain on the 40-man roster, Baddoo likely leapfrogs them on the depth chart based on his major league track record and the confidence shown in handing him a big-league deal.
It’s also worth noting the broader context here. Last season, Milwaukee had to scramble midyear to patch together outfield coverage.
That kind of reactive roster management can wear a team down over 162 games. By bringing in Baddoo and Jones now, the Brewers are getting ahead of the curve-stocking Triple-A with players who not only have upside but also the kind of experience that can help stabilize a roster when injuries inevitably strike.
No, these aren’t blockbuster moves. But they’re smart, calculated additions that reflect a front office intent on staying competitive without sacrificing long-term flexibility.
Baddoo and Jones might not be everyday names on Opening Day, but their presence could be felt when it matters most. For a club that’s leaned heavily on depth in recent years, these signings are more than just transactions-they’re insurance policies with real upside.