Steward Berroa, a highly touted young shortstop in the Philadelphia Phillies organization, is generating significant buzz following a breakout performance in the Arizona Fall League and a strong showing during spring training. The 20-year-old Dominican native is currently ranked among the top-30 prospects in the Phillies system by MLB Pipeline and Baseball America.

Berroa’s impressive 2023 season with the Jersey Shore BlueClaws, the Phillies’ Single-A affiliate, included a .279 batting average, 16 home runs, 64 RBIs, and 28 stolen bases in 112 games. His combination of power and speed has drawn comparisons to players like Fernando Tatis Jr., although Phillies officials are tempering expectations.

Berroa’s performance in the Arizona Fall League with the Scottsdale Scorpions further solidified his rising stock, as he hit .305 with three home runs and 15 RBIs in 22 games. This experience was crucial in helping him gain exposure to higher levels of competition and refine his skills against more polished pitchers.

During spring training, Berroa has focused on improving his plate discipline and defensive consistency, key areas identified for his development. While he’s unlikely to make the major league roster to start the season, the Phillies are pleased with his progress and attitude, with Manager Rob Thomson praising his work ethic and willingness to learn.

The organization views Berroa as a potential future everyday shortstop, but acknowledges he still requires further development in the minor leagues, likely beginning with the Double-A Reading Fightin Phils in 2024. Scouts are monitoring his progress, noting his aggressive approach at the plate and improving ability to make adjustments during at-bats.

The Phillies, already boasting a strong core of young talent, are excited about Berroa’s potential impact on the team in the coming years. His continued development is a key storyline to watch throughout the season, as he focuses on solidifying his fundamentals and gaining experience with the ultimate goal of becoming a valuable contributor to the Phillies’ long-term success.