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Brentz Video |
Born: December 30, 1988
Knoxville, TN
Height: 6-1
Weight: 195
Bats: Right
Throws: Right
Drafted: 1st round, 2010
How Acquired: Minor league free agent (Jan. 2019)
College: Middle Tennessee St.
High School: South Doyle HS (TN)
Photo ©
Dave Letizi
SoxProspects.com Links
2011 Prospect Preview
The Ladder (4.20.11)
ESPN: HR-hitter Brentz finding groove (7.10.11)
Q&A with Bryce Brentz (7.12.11)
The Ladder - 7.27.11
2012 Prospect Preview
The Book - 4.16.12
Brentz working to approve approach in Port.
(7.26.12)
Brentz, Hazelbaker thrown into the fire (9.10.12)
2013 Top 40 Season in Review
The Write-Up: Early Reports from Pawtucket (5.12.14)
2014 Top 40 Season in Review
Scouting Scratch: Brentz, Marrero, Coyle (6.23.15)
2015 Top 40 Season in Review
Scouting Scratch: Potential September Call-Ups (8.25.17)
Contract expired (Nov. 2019)
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Physical Description: Mature,
strong body. Filled out.
Hit: Plus bat speed with
quick wrists. Pull hitter with uphill swing path. Made significant strides
during the 2017 season after switching from a leg lift to a toe tap timing
device. Toe tap allowed him to see the ball better and increase quality of
his at-bats, and he started to make more contact. Now starts with his feet
close together and quiet pre-pitch, which allows him to keep his lower
half back. New mechanics have allowed him to stay back on breaking balls
better and work the count. Approach is still on the aggressive side and
will always have a fair amount of swing-and-miss, but potential
fringe-average hitter now.
Power: Due to uphill
swing path, ball jumps off his bat. Generates strong lift and post-contact
extension with his swing. Plus raw power and plus potential game power.
With improved mechanics, raw power translated in-game during 2017 season
and could translate at the major league level if he carries over these
improvements.
Arm: Makes throws on-line, with
carry. Plus arm strength.
Field: Fringe-average
range. Decent reads and routes. Prone to lapses in judgment that can lead
him to misplay balls in the field. Reportedly worked out some on the side
at first base in 2017, but never saw time at the position in game action.
Run: Below-average speed. Not a major part of his
game. Steady on bases. Can score from second.
Career
Notes: Unfortunately, is probably most well known to casual fans
for accidentally shooting himself in the leg while cleaning a gun in early
2013, costing himself a non-roster invitation to camp. Has had tough luck
with injuries in recent seasons, including knee meniscus surgery in July
2013 and a severe hamstring strain in 2014. In 2015, he underwent thumb
surgery in June that ended his season. Had a 26-game hitting streak in
2011 that he extended in dramatic, last-inning fashion a number of times.
Was not added to the 40-man roster in September 2017 to the surprise of
some, but then was added to the roster after the end of the season to
prevent him from becoming a minor league free agent. Was traded to
Pittsburgh for cash considerations in February 2018 after the signing of
JD Martinez.
Summation: Potential bat-first
platoon outfielder. Ceiling of a second-division regular. Could thrive in
a part-time role in which he avoids high-end right-handed pitchers and
receives 400-450 at-bats. Won’t hit for a high average, but if he can make
enough contact to hit .260 or so, could hit 15-20 home runs even in
limited at-bats. Below-average defensive profile, limited to the corners
or potentially first base.
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