The Milwaukee Brewers have made a significant move in the 2026 free agent market by signing outfielder Akil Baddoo to a major league contract. This decision comes as a surprise, especially since Baddoo spent the majority of the previous season playing in the minors.
At 27 years old, Baddoo originally joined MLB as a second-round pick by the Minnesota Twins in 2016 before moving to the Detroit Tigers via the Rule 5 draft in December 2020. During his rookie season in 2021, he showcased impressive talent, finishing with a .259 batting average, 20 doubles, seven triples, 13 home runs, and 18 stolen bases in 124 games, resulting in 2.1 bWAR. However, his performance has declined over the following years, as Baddoo has managed just a .201 average across four seasons, accumulating 682 plate appearances. His strong 2025 campaign at Triple-A Toledo, where he hit .281 with 15 home runs and 25 stolen bases, raised questions about his potential resurgence.
Defensively, Baddoo primarily plays left field but has experience in center and right field. Current metrics suggest he is an average fielder, although data from his minor league games may not provide a comprehensive view.
With the Brewers having an open position on their 40-man roster, it appears Baddoo will fill that spot. While the team has a solid outfield depth with players like Sal Frelick, Jackson Chourio, and Blake Perkins, Baddoo’s addition aims to enhance the squad. However, it’s expected that securing regular at-bats at the major league level may be challenging for him.
In other news relevant to the Brewers, former player Hoby Milner has signed a one-year contract with the Chicago Cubs, marking a return to a familiar coaching environment as he reunites with his previous manager from Milwaukee. This move highlights the ongoing dynamics in the MLB free agency landscape and the strategic decisions teams are making to strengthen their rosters.