PaddleHeads Aquire Outifelder Layton Berry Via Trade From Highwheelers

The Missoula PaddleHeads announced a roster transaction ahead of their series opener opposite the Billings Mustangs on Tuesday with the announcement of a trade. For the first time this season the PaddleHeads acquired a player from another franchise in the Pioneer League in a trade with the Yuba Sutter Highwheelers. Missoula acquired outfielder Layton Berry from the defending league champions for future considerations.

 The Texas native is in his first professional season having appeared in 21 games in Marysville. The corresponding roster move for Missoula involved the release of outfielder Henry Strmecki. Barry traveled to Billings from California on the off-day and will be available Tuesday night. 

Barry was batting .259 in 54 at-bats to this point with the Highwheelers in 2025 tallying a pair of doubles, a home run, and 8 RBIs. The former Roadrunner also held a .404 on base percentage on the season having walked 11 times on the season.Berry was seeing normal playing time with Yuba Sutter having appeared in 21 of 30 games played to this point in 2025. 

Prior to his time in the Pioneer League Barry played in the collegiate ranks at the University of Texas-San Antonio appearing in 181 games from 2019-2023. Berry enjoyed great success finishing with a .332 career batting average in 730 career plate appearances. 

The 24 year old received All-Conference recognition in Conference USA in 2022 batting .343 in 56 games with 14 doubles and 38 driven in. The Houston native also tallied 10 home runs and 16 doubles in 2023 while batting .318 in 56 games played. Barry was teammates with current PaddleHead Taylor Smith during that season. 

In 2024, Barry also was signed in the offseason by the Rocky Mountain Vibes but would never appear in league action. After appearing in over 21 games to this point, Barry will look to fit in as  giving the PaddleHeads versatility being able to fill multiple roles. 

It will also allow Michael Schlact to share the load and keep every day starters fresh by working the versatile utility player into the fold. While playing at UTSA, Barry also appeared as an infielder at second base, and shortstop.  Barry will join the team Tuesday for their first game of the 6-game slate at Dehler Park.