Brewers: Garrett Mitchell and Blake Perkins to return in 3-4 weeks 3 May 29, 2024; Milwaukee, Wisconsin, USA; Milwaukee Brewers center fielder Blake Perkins (16) making a leaping catch on ball hit by Chicago Cubs third baseman Christopher Morel (not pictured) in the third inning at American Family Field. Mandatory Credit: Benny Sieu-USA TODAY Sports

Milwaukee Brewers: Recently called up OF listed as surprise trade candidate

Originally posted on WI Sports Heroics | By Tyler Koerth_ | Last updated Jul 19, 2025 7:16 AM ET

The Milwaukee Brewers have quietly built an impressive surplus of outfield talent in recent years. Among their current group, Garrett Mitchell and Sal Frelick were both first-round draft picks, while Jackson Chourio, signed as an international free agent, was extended to a long-term deal before even making his MLB debut.

Christian Yelich, though spending more time at designated hitter this season, has been a cornerstone of the franchise since 2018. 2025 breakout player Issac Colins was selected during the minor league phase of the Rule-5 draft in 2022. Rounding out the mix is Blake Perkins, who signed a major league deal ahead of the 2023 season despite not having made his big league debut at the time.

Of this core, Perkins was recently called up in response to Frelick landing on the injured list with a hamstring strain. Despite the recent promotion, CBS Sports has labeled Perkins as a surprise trade deadline candidate.

Milwaukee Brewers outfielder Blake Perkins was listed as a surprise trade candidate by CBS Sports

With the trade deadline rapidly approaching, it’s possible that the Brewers deal from a position of strength in order to improve their roster. Trading away a starting pitcher has been one popular idea, but CBS Sports thinks that using Perkins in a trade is possible as his elite glove would be a big boost to any team going forward.

I wonder if the Brewers will now be more open to shipping him out given both his advancing age (he’ll turn 29 in September) and their still-capable outfield depth chart. Everyone is hunting for offense this summer, but ultimately runs are runs are runs are runs — even if they’re created with a glove or a set of legs rather than a piece of lumber. R.J Anderson – CBS Sports

Trading Blake Perkins seems unlikely

Milwaukee Brewers: Recently called up OF listed as surprise trade candidate 2 May 29, 2024; Milwaukee, Wisconsin, USA; Milwaukee Brewers center fielder Blake Perkins (16) reacts after hitting a double in the second inning against the Chicago Cubs at American Family Field. Mandatory Credit: Benny Sieu-USA TODAY Sports

The idea of trading Blake Perkins is certainly creative, but ultimately seems unlikely. Perkins has become a valuable piece for the Brewers, often stepping in seamlessly for the frequently sidelined Garrett Mitchell. With multiple years of team control remaining and minor league options available, keeping Perkins in the fold long term appears to be the smarter move for Milwaukee.

Beyond that, moving Perkins likely wouldn’t yield much in return. While he’s a solid contributor defensively and on the basepaths, his limited offensive upside makes it unlikely the Brewers would receive a player who could make an immediate impact. All things considered, hanging onto Perkins makes far more sense than dealing him.

This article first appeared on WI Sports Heroics and was syndicated with permission.

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