Milwaukee Brewers: Centerfielder Blake Perkins Nears Return from 60 Day IL, Boding Likely Depth Chart Shakeup

While his nearing return is certainly a positive update, it will also shake up the current depth chart, jeopardizing roster spots. An early season trade pick up is an obvious choice for demotion.

Milwaukee Brewers Will Welcome Center Field Depth in Form of Blake Perkins

As the Brewers’ starting center fielder in 2024, Perkins hit six homeruns, drove in 43 runs, batted .240 and posted .647 OPS in 121 games played. He also stole 23 bases in 28 attempts. His main value is his defense, which accounted for a 1.2 DWAR.

After Perkins got hurt in spring training, the Brewers had a clear replacement in Garrett Mitchell, who had a decent shot to take the job anyway after showing out in his first real chance last season. But he’s been out injured himself since late April, leaving the team without a true center fielder.

They’ve made do putting Jackson Chourio there. Although he’s better suited to the corner spots, he has held down the fort in center. Sal Frelick is the everyday right fielder. Stepping up as the third outfielder, Isaac Collins has done so well that, if he keeps it up, removing him from the starting lineup would be criminal. Behind DH Christian Yelich and platoon bat Jake Bauers, he sits third on the team in OPS at .766, boosted by a team-leading .369 on-base percentage.

Mitchell experienced a setback in his own rehab last week, and may require surgery, so Perkins should have a bit more depth-chart breathing room whenever he does return. With how well Collins has done, Perkins doesn’t have a place in the everyday lineup, but he could still pick up starts here and there, easing Chourio’s defensive burden in center. His presence will also keep the pressure on Collins; if he slips, Perkins is a candidate to slide into his spot.

Of course, he may need an adjustment period even after completing rehab. Half a season is a lot of time to miss. When he does return, barring other injuries, Daz Cameron will likely punch his ticket to Nashville, where the Brewers can keep him as organizational depth. Since arriving from Baltimore early this season, he’s gone 8-41 with a .507 OPS and -0.5 WAR for the Brewers.

Cameron has started eight games between right and left field, largely functioning as a pinch runner and defensive replacement, When healthy, Perkins should take over his full suite of duties. Assuming he returns to form, he is an A-grade guy to have on any team’s bench.