Brewers Acquire Outfielder **Berroa** in Trade with Dodgers

Milwaukee designates right-hander **Rodríguez** for assignment

Just before their face-off today, the Milwaukee Brewers and Los Angeles Dodgers finalized a deal sending outfielder Steward Berroa to Milwaukee in exchange for cash, adding depth to the Brewers’ outfield as they gear up for a strong second half.

New Acquisition

**Berroa**, recently designated for assignment by the Dodgers, will join the Brewers, who have placed him on the minor league injured list due to right shoulder bursitis. To make room, right-hander Elvin Rodríguez has been designated for assignment.

This marks the second time this year that **Berroa** has been traded after being DFA’d. He initially debuted with the Blue Jays last year, who then traded him to the Dodgers for cash in May.

At 26, **Berroa** brings speed and versatility, having experience at all three outfield positions. While his offensive consistency has been questioned, he showed promise between 2021 and 2023, posting a .241/.350/.391 line with a 108 wRC+ in the minor leagues.

The Brewers and Dodgers swung a trade before today’s game. #Brewers get Steward Berroa for cash. He’s on the minor league injured list already because of right shoulder bursitis. Elvin Rodriguez designated for assignment to open a 40-man roster spot.

— Adam McCalvy (@AdamMcCalvy) July 9, 2025

**Berroa**’s Strengths

Last year, **Berroa** showed progress by reducing his strikeout rate while maintaining a solid walk rate, resulting in a .281/.371/.454 line and a 120 wRC+ in Triple-A. Despite struggling in his brief major league stint with Toronto, he stole six bases in eight attempts.

So far this year, **Berroa** has a .270/.358/.345 line and a 90 wRC+ in Triple-A, along with 20 steals. He hasn’t played since June 19th, likely due to his shoulder injury. As of July 8th, the MLB average for stolen bases is 0.52 per game, indicating the rising value of speed on the basepaths (Team Rankings).

The Brewers will gain an optionable player in **Berroa** who can provide outfield depth and potentially contribute as a pinch-runner or defensive replacement. His offensive potential adds an intriguing element to the team.

**Rodríguez** Designated

To accommodate **Berroa**, Milwaukee designated Elvin Rodríguez, who signed with the team in January after a successful stint in Japan. However, he struggled in the majors this season, with an 8.68 ERA in 18 2/3 innings, despite a decent strikeout rate.

Rodríguez will now enter DFA limbo, where the Brewers can explore trade options for up to a week. With a previous career outright, he could reject an outright assignment if he clears waivers, though he would forfeit his remaining salary.

Given his split contract paying him $900K in the majors and $300K in the minors, it’s unlikely **Rodríguez** would choose free agency, as the Triple-A minimum salary is significantly lower.

Ultimately, this trade reflects the Brewers’ strategic efforts to bolster their roster for a playoff push, while the Dodgers continue to refine their player pool.