In November, the Brewers signed outfielder Blake Perkins to a Major League contract. The 26 year old switch hitter has not yet made his Big League debut, but he can play all three outfield positions and has Minor League options. This spring, his first with the Brewers, he is living out his childhood dream by staying in his old bedroom as he competes for a spot on the Crew’s roster.
Brewers outfielder Blake Perkins is living out his childhood dream by staying in his old bedroom while reporting to camp.
OF Blake Perkins, who’s from nearby Litchfield Park, is actually living in his childhood home and staying in his old bedroom as he goes through camp with the #Brewers: pic.twitter.com/S18DFFBaxr
— Todd Rosiak (@Todd_Rosiak) March 4, 2023
Perkins indicates in the video that he reported to the Brewers spring training facility early in order to get to know the staff and to start making those connections. He also indicated that going home everyday makes spring training feel less like a job and more as just a part of his day. Lastly, he mentioned the fact that it is nice to have the comfort of his family around.
For Perkins, he has some tough competition to compete against this spring. Christian Yelich, Jesse Winker, Tyrone Taylor, and Garrett Mitchell are the only other outfielders on the Brewers 40-man roster, but top prospects like Sal Frelick and Joey Wiemer are pleading their case to get a spot on Milwaukee’s roster.
One thing working in Perkins favor is his ability to hit from both sides of the plate, his defensive versatility, and ability to be shuttled back and forth from the Brewers roster. Last year he had a solid Minor League season in the Yankees organization in which he had an .813 OPS that was headlined by a .357 OBP.
With Tyrone Taylor expected to be sidelined at least the first month of the season, it’s possible that Perkins sees Big League playing time early. However, Tyler Naquin is a non-roster invitee that may steal a 40-man roster spot this spring. It will be interesting to see what happens, but Perkins has a good shot at appearing with the Brewers at some point in 2023.
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