Getting to know outfielder Steward Berroa

Focusing on Berroa, the Blue Jays signed the speedy outfielder in the 2016 international free agent market for the low price of $10,000, with the Dominican Republic-native making his debut the following season. He hit one homer in 221 plate appearances in the Dominican Summer League for a 113 wRC+.

The following season in the Gulf Coast League, the predecessor to the Florida Complex League, Berroa slashed .282/.386/.359 with no homers in 167 plate appearances. In the rookie advanced league the following season, Beorra slashed .236/.349/.329 with two homers in 189 plate appearances.

Berroa’s climb up the minor league ladder continued, heading to Single-A for the 2021 season, where he slashed .245/.361/.399 with a career-best seven homers in 333 plate appearances for a 112 wRC+, along with a 15 BB% and a 22.8 K%. In High-A the following season, Berroa slashed .219/.331/.409 with six homers in 396 plate appearances, along with an additional homer in Double-A.

New Hampshire was his destination to start the 2023 season, slashing .272/.380/.414 while matching his career-high in homers in 396 plate appearances for a career-best 123 wRC+. The 26.8 K% was worrisome, but Berroa once again had a high BB% of 14.4. He earned a late season promotion to Triple-A, where his stats weren’t great.

However, Berroa has found another level this season with the Bisons. Prior to the callup, Berroa was slashing .295/.380/.451 with seven homers in 222 plate appearances, along with an 11.7 BB% and a 24.3 K% for a 118 wRC+. The batting average and the slugging percentage are both career-highs, while already matching his career-high in homers.

Suddenly, the bat has become a factor in Berroa’s game. Both his hit tool and power have taken a step forward. This is on top of a good eye at the plate, as well as some of the best speed in the organization. His 29 stolen bases this season lead the organization while being caught eight times for a 78.4% stolen base percentage.

Berroa’s stay in the big leagues likely won’t be long this time around, as Bo Bichette is eligible to come off the 10-day Injured List on Tuesday. However, he’s a prospect worth watching as the season continues.

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