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Former Second-Round Pick Has Been Unsung Hero For Brewers

Blake Perkins has proven to be an unsung hero for the Milwaukee Brewers. The former 2015 second-round draft pick of the Washington Nationals (No. 69 overall) has stepped up and filled a critical role as the team’s young, standout center fielder. He made his Major League debut on April 19, 2023, and is in his second year with Milwaukee.

Former Second-Round Pick Has Flashed Potential

With significant early-season injuries to the Brewers’ outfield corps (including former 2018 NL MVP Christian Yelich and projected starting center fielder Garrett Mitchell), Perkins’ emergence has proven to be a huge positive. It’s been a catalyst for National League Central Division-leading Milwaukee. The team is currently 33-23 overall (.589 winning percentage), five games ahead of the second-place St. Louis Cardinals.

Perkins’ progression has been center stage this season. It culminated in Wednesday night’s memorable 10-6 home-field victory over the Chicago Cubs. He responded with three game-changing catches and delivered a two-run homer that helped fuel what proved to be a decisive five-run, fifth-inning rally. He became the first Brewer since Khris Davis (2015) to hit and rob a home run in the same inning.

The former second-round draft pick emphasized the importance of preparation, focus, and consistency as key to his success. “I feel like I say it to everyone, but [it starts with] practicing in batting practice,” said Perkins in a postgame interview with Adam McCalvy of MLB.com. “Knowing the ball flight off the bat. I feel like I’ve made that play so many times. Not the exact same way, but it’s just kind of natural now. I don’t know how else to put it.”

 

The 6-foot, 208-pound Perkins, 27, has shown steady progression and consistent growth in starting 42 games this season. He was notable for generating 38 hits, including five doubles, five home runs, and 18 RBI with a .241 batting average. The majority of his success at the plate has come versus the fastball. He has delivered 25 hits with 18 singles, four doubles and three homers, according to Baseball Savant. In his last 10 games, he is 9-for-28 with five runs scored, one homer, and three stolen bases.

 

On the defensive side, he has flashed his brilliance by registering 121 putouts and two assists with a .992 fielding percentage through 384 full innings.

 

Perkins Becoming Impact Player

It’s been a slow, steady journey to competing at the major-league level for the former second-round pick. He is thriving after minor-league stints with the Nationals, Kansas City Royals, New York Yankees and Brewers.

“Unbelievable,” said Brewers general manager Matt Arnold, in an interview with Erik Bilstad of WTMJ Radio. “I don’t think you could ever ask for anything more than what he did (referring to Wednesday night versus the Cubs). It felt like Lorenzo Cain at his peak. It was awesome to watch. Blake is a great kid. He’s really funny. Loves baseball.”

When asked about which play was the biggest in his mind on his career night, he maintained a middle-of-the-road approach. “Well, I think for the game situation, the home-run robbery was a better momentum boost,” added Perkins, in the interview with McCalvy. “But hitting a home run in a big league game against the Cubs is hard to beat. So selfishly, I’ll say [hitting] the home run.”

Perkins has fully displayed his talent, determination and approach for all to see. With that type of steady progress taking place, the hungry, young player could quickly become the center of attention many more times as the season goes on.

Main Photo Credits: Jay Biggerstaff-USA TODAY Sports

Jeff Hagenau

Jeff Hagenau

Jeff has been a sports writer in southeast Wisconsin for the past 27 years, covering at the high school, collegiate and professional levels. He graduated from Carroll University with a degree in journalism and covers the Milwaukee Brewers for Last Word On Sports.

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