The Miami Marlins traded former first-round pick Jacob Berry to the Kansas City Royals on Wednesday in exchange for cash considerations, ending the infielder's four-year tenure with the organization.
Fish On First beat writer Isaac Azout first reported the deal after the trade deadline. Because Berry was not on the Marlins' 40-man roster, the clubs were permitted to complete the transaction despite Monday's non-waiver trade deadline having passed.
The move comes with Miami in the middle of the National League Wild Card race. The Marlins entered Wednesday at 58-56, while the rebuilding Royals were 47-67 and last in the American League Central.
Berry spent the entire 2026 season at Triple-A Jacksonville, where he batted .251/.372/.362 with four home runs, 34 RBIs and 18 stolen bases across 243 at-bats. The 25-year-old also posted a 15% walk rate before landing on the development list on July 25.
Selected sixth overall out of LSU in the 2022 MLB Draft, Berry signed for a reported $6 million bonus and was once viewed as one of Miami's top offensive prospects. However, he never reached the major leagues as his power production stalled in the upper minors.
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The trade gives Berry a fresh opportunity in Kansas City's organization, where he is expected to report to Triple-A Omaha. The Royals will look to capitalize on his plate discipline and former first-round pedigree while evaluating whether a change of scenery can unlock more offensive production.
For Miami, the move reflects the organization's continued willingness to move on from former top prospects who no longer fit its long-term plans. Berry now gets another chance to revive his career with a new club.
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