This past weekend, the New York Mets completed a trade to acquire outfielder Keon Bronxton from the Milwaukee Brewers in exchange for RHP Bobby Wahl, RHP Adam Hill, and INF Felix Valerio.

Broxton, 28, was originally drafted by the Phillies in the 29th round of the 2008 MLB Amateur Draft, but instead choose to attend Santa Fe Community College. After a tremendous season, he was selected by the Diamondbacks in the third round of the 2009 Amateur Draft.

He spent five seasons in the Diamondbacks farm system between Rookie Ball, A-Ball, and Double-A. Then in March of 2014, Broxton was traded to the Pittsburgh Pirates for a player to be named later.

He spent the whole 2014 season in Double-A, hitting 22 doubles, 15 home runs, while stealing 25 bases and posting an .853 OPS with the Altoona Curve. Broxton then began the 2015 campaign with the Curve, but was promoted to Triple-A where he finished the minor league season.

Broxton made his big league debut in September of 2015, and was used mainly as a pinch runner for the Pirates as he appeared in just seven games to finish out the season.

Broxton was again traded during the 2015 offseason, as he was shipped to the Brewers in exchange for Jason Rogers. After competing with nine other players in big league camp, Broxton won the 2016 Opening Day centerfield job out of Spring Training.

He had his fair share of struggles during his first big league season, and in 75 games Broxton struck out 88 times while hitting .242 with nine home runs and 23 stolen bases. He also played some stellar defense in center, posting a 2.1 WAR and 9 defensive runs saved.

The Florida native opened the 2017 season as the Brewers centerfielder. However, Broxton was optioned to Triple-A in July as he was hitting just .218 and was leading the league with 124 strikeouts.

He eventually returned to the club, and finished the season with 15 doubles, 20 home runs, 21 stolen bases, and a 0.1 WAR.

After the Brewers offseason additions of Lorenzo Cain and Christian Yelich, Broxton began last season in Triple-A. He received the call to the big leagues in July after Cain suffered an injury.

Broxton struggled at the plate, but again provided the Brewers with solid defense. In 51 games, he hit just .179 with a .691 OPS, but posted a 1.6 WAR and was responsible for 13 defensive runs saved.

Over his four-year big league career, Broxton has a .221/.313/.421 slash line with 27 doubles, 33 home runs, and 50 stolen bases. He has also performed well against lefties over his career, posting a .790 OPS and 116 OPS+ against left-handed pitching.

On the acquisition of Broxton Mets GM Brodie Van Wagenen said, “He is a dynamic athlete with the ability to impact the game in the outfield, on the bases and with his bat. He adds depth to our major league roster for 2019 and into the future.”

At the moment it is looking like Broxton will split time with Juan Lagares in centerfield next season, a platoon that will clearly put an emphasis on defense. With options still out there in free agency, we’ll see if the Mets look to move Lagares and sign an everyday centerfielder.