Pittsburgh Pirates: Bryce Brentz has chance to become “feel-good story”
By Tim Boyle
In a quiet move, the Pittsburgh Pirates acquired Bryce Brentz from the Boston Red Sox. The trade opens up the possibility of Brentz becoming a 2018 feel-good story in Pittsburgh.
Who doesn’t like a feel-good story? It’s right in the name. It makes us feel really good. Everyone loves that! In 2018, newly acquired Pittsburgh Pirates outfielder Bryce Brentz has an opportunity to make us all feel superb. All it will take is something he hasn’t had much of in his MLB career: opportunities.
The History of Bryce Brentz
Back in 2010, the Boston Red Sox selected Brentz in the first round of the MLB Draft. Unfortunately, he never did meet first-round pick expectations. However, Brentz has proven that Triple-A pitchers are no match for his home run swing.
Last year, Brentz hit a career-best 31 home runs for the Triple-A Pawtucket Red Sox. In his professional career, Brentz now has 139 dingers.
Even with a history of knocking four-base hits, Brentz only saw limited action at the MLB level during his time with the Red Sox organization. In total, he has stepped up to the plate 90 times. The result is a .287/.311/.379 batting line with a single home run.
Every season since 2012 has featured an at-bat by Brentz in Pawtucket. That long in the minors will surely grind on anyone. This year, those negative feelings may subside.
How Bryce Brentz can help the Pittsburgh Pirates
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At the moment, Brentz is competing with others for an everyday spot on the Pittsburgh Pirates roster. Likely, it will take a trade of Josh Harrison to accomplish this. The best way for Brentz to fall into a starting role would come from a Harrison trade which then pushes Adam Frazier to second base. Otherwise, Brentz may need to wait it out on the Pirates bench.
After nearly a decade in the minor leagues, I imagine Brentz is prepared to wait as long as it takes to play regularly in MLB. The 2017 International League home run champion hit more than well enough to deserve a look against big league pitchers on a regular basis. This trade to the Pirates should be viewed as a favor from the Red Sox. There was zero chance he would ever take a starting role in Boston.
In Pittsburgh, Brentz joins a rebuilding franchise willing to take risks. The fall from grace for prospect Austin Meadows means more room available for late-bloomers like him.
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Inevitably, the Pirates will move at least a few more players as the season progresses. As each player changes uniforms, Brentz gets that much closer to playing regularly. Until then, he’ll need to make the most of every at-bat. With any luck, Brentz becomes the feel-good story in Pittsburgh.