DETROIT — Akil Baddoo’s first trip to free agency has been rewarded with a Major League deal.
Baddoo, who played in only five MLB games for the Detroit Tigers in 2025, signed this week with the Milwaukee Brewers.
Baddoo was acquired by the Tigers in the Rule 5 Draft and had an electric rookie campaign in 2021 before enduring a frustrating sophomore slump in 2022. He bounced between Detroit and Toledo over the last three seasons.
He went 2-for-17 during his 10-day stint with the big-league club in June.
Baddoo was designated for assignment and then outrighted to Toledo after going unclaimed on waivers when the Tigers added outfielder Jahmai Jones to the roster.
Having been previously outrighted, Baddoo could have rejected the assignment to Toledo. But that would have meant forgoing the remainder of his salary, which was far higher than that of a typical minor leaguer. That price tag may have also discouraged teams from claiming him.
With the Mud Hens, Baddoo hit .281 with an .868 OPS in 457 plate appearances in 2025. He had 15 home runs and 25 stolen bases.
Baddoo, 27, still has one option remaining, so the Brewers may view him as both an MLB option and potential Triple-A depth in 2026.