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Berry hit the 7-day injured list Sept. 12 due to a foot contusion, but he's been cleared to return following a brief absence. The 22-year-old slashed .248/.301/.442 with five homers, 22 RBI, four stolen bags and 22 runs scored in 28 contests this season with Double-A Pensacola.
Berry was initially confined to a walking boot upon being diagnosed with the injury, and though he's not expected to be facing a long-term absence, it's unclear if he'll be ready to play again before Pensacola's season ends Sunday. The 22-year-old switch hitter contributed a .248/.301/.442 slash line with five home runs and four stolen bases in 28 games following his promotion from High-A Beloit in late July.
The sixth overall pick in the 2022 MLB Draft, Berry has struggled badly this season and had a .509 OPS and 24.2 percent strikeout rate in 194 plate appearances before his recent hot streak began. The 22-year-old has mostly played third base for Beloit, but his most fitting role will probably be designated hitter; therefore, his bat needs to carry him if he's going to reach the majors. The surge is encouraging, but Berry has a long way to go to live up to his draft status.
Taken with the sixth overall pick in the 2022 First-Year Player Draft less than two weeks ago, Berry wasted little time getting his pro career started. The LSU product hit second as the designated hitter, and it remains to be seen whether Miami will even try to find a regular defensive home for him somewhere on the diamond as he advances up the ladder, but Berry's bat should play at any position. Given his 8.9 percent strikeout rate in his final year of college, Thursday's K's are likely more a product of nerves than anything else. The Marlins will likely let the 21-year-old get his feet wet as a professional in rookie ball before bumping him up to Single-A, but he has the skills to earn that promotion quickly.
A bat-first prospect who profiles better in fantasy than reality, Berry hit .370/.464/.630 with 15 home runs, an 8.9 K% and a 10.9 BB% in 53 games for LSU. He primarily played third base for the Tigers, but also saw time in the outfield corners. To put it bluntly, Berry profiles best at designated hitter, and he may also get time at first base. While the switch hitter gets to more power from the left side, he comfortably projects as a plus hitter with plus power, so he should hit enough to profile at the bottom of the defensive spectrum. Measuring in at 6-foot, 212 pounds, Berry is a below-average runner and athlete with a fringe-average arm.