{{short description|American baseball player (born 1994)}} {{Use mdy dates|date=June 2025}} {{Infobox baseball biography |name = Jake Brentz |image = Jake Brentz (41222763364).jpg |caption = Brentz with the Altoona Curve in 2018 |team = Kansas City Monarchs |number = 27 |position = Pitcher |birth_date = {{Birth date and age|1994|9|14}} |birth_place = Ballwin, Missouri, U.S. |bats = Left |throws = Left |debutleague = MLB |debutdate = April 3 |debutyear = 2021 |debutteam = Kansas City Royals |statleague = MLB |statyear = 2022 season |stat1label = Win–loss record |stat1value = 5–5 |stat2label = Earned run average |stat2value = 5.19 |stat3label = Strikeouts |stat3value = 85 |teams = * Kansas City Royals ({{mlby|2021}}–{{mlby|2022}}) }} '''Jacob Steven Brentz''' (born September 14, 1994) is an American professional baseball pitcher for the Kansas City Monarchs of the American Association of Professional Baseball. He was drafted in the 11th round of the 2013 MLB draft by the Toronto Blue Jays and made his Major League Baseball (MLB) debut in 2021 for the Kansas City Royals.
==Career== ===Toronto Blue Jays=== Brentz attended Parkway South High School in Manchester, Missouri.<ref>{{Cite web |last=Durando |first=Stu |date=May 8, 2013 |title=Pitching newcomer from St. Louis intrigues MLB scouts |url=https://www.stltoday.com/sports/other/pitching-newcomer-from-st-louis-intrigues-mlb-scouts/article_7dd7e011-85d4-529f-9ded-4884c3625ecb.html |url-access=subscription |url-status=live |archive-url=https://archive.today/20220523090139/https://www.stltoday.com/sports/other/pitching-newcomer-from-st-louis-intrigues-mlb-scouts/article_7dd7e011-85d4-529f-9ded-4884c3625ecb.html |archive-date=2022-05-23 |access-date=2025-01-05 |website=St. Louis Post-Dispatch}}</ref> The Toronto Blue Jays drafted him in the 11th round of the 2013 Major League Baseball draft.<ref>{{Cite web |last=Palermo |first=Gregg |date=June 8, 2013 |title=Jake Brentz Picked By Blue Jays In MLB Draft |url=https://patch.com/missouri/ballwin-ellisville/jake-brentz-picked-by-blue-jays-in-mlb-draft |access-date=2025-01-05 |website=Ballwin-Ellisville, MO Patch}}</ref> On July 12, 2013, Brentz signed with the Blue Jays. Brentz made his professional season with the rookie-level Gulf Coast League Blue Jays.
===Seattle Mariners=== On July 31, 2015, the Blue Jays traded Brentz, Rob Rasmussen, and Nick Wells to the Seattle Mariners in exchange for Mark Lowe.<ref>{{Cite press release |title=Mariners Acquire Three Pitchers from Blue Jays for RHP Mark Lowe |date=July 31, 2015 |publisher=Seattle Mariners |url=https://www.mlb.com/news/mariners-acquire-three-pitchers-from-blue-jays-for-rhp-mark-lowe/c-140111524 |via=MLB.com |access-date=2025-01-05}}</ref><ref>{{Cite web |last=James |first=Zach |date=August 11, 2016 |title=Brentz gets close to home |url=https://www.clintonherald.com/sports/brentz-gets-close-to-home/article_cb6a10ce-5fc1-11e6-9e8c-ff1259f7ecc8.html |access-date=2025-01-05 |website=Clinton Herald}}</ref> He finished the season with the Low-A Everett AquaSox. In 2016, Brentz split the season between Everett and the Single-A Clinton LumberKings, also appearing in two games for the Triple-A Tacoma Rainiers. In 20 appearances (7 starts) for the three affiliates, he posted a cumulative 4-2 record and 5.32 ERA with 50 strikeouts across {{fraction|4|2|3}} innings pitched.<ref>{{Cite web|title=Jake Brentz - Stats - Pitching|url=https://www.fangraphs.com/players/jake-brentz/17783/stats?position=P|access-date=April 15, 2025|website=fangraphs.com|language=en}}</ref>
===Pittsburgh Pirates=== On September 1, 2016, the Mariners traded Brentz and Pedro Vasquez to the Pittsburgh Pirates in exchange for Arquimedes Caminero.<ref>{{Cite web |date=September 1, 2016 |title=MLB notebook: Pirates acquire pair of minor leaguers from Caminero trade |url=https://archive.triblive.com/sports/mlb/mlb-notebook-pirates-acquire-pair-of-minor-leaguers-from-caminero-trade/?printerfriendly=true |access-date=2025-01-05 |website=TribLIVE}}</ref> Brentz split the 2017 and 2018 season between the High-A Bradenton Marauders and Double-A Altoona Curve.<ref>{{Cite web |last=Curve |first=Altoona |date=August 14, 2020 |title=These Curve alumni could make their MLB debut in 2020 |url=http://altoona.mlblogs.com/2020/08/14/these-curve-alumni-could-make-their-mlb-debut-in-2020/ |access-date=2025-01-05 |website=Around the Curve}}</ref> Brentz started the 2019 season with Altoona before being promoted to the Triple-A Indianapolis Indians.<ref>{{Cite web |last=Dreker |first=John |date=May 6, 2019 |title=Pirates Sign Left-Handed Pitcher Sean Brady; Jacob Brentz Promoted to Indianapolis |url=https://www.piratesprospects.com/2019/05/pirates-sign-left-handed-pitcher-sean-brady-jacob-brentz-promoted-to-indianapolis.html |access-date=2025-01-05 |website=Pirates Prospects}}</ref> On August 16, 2019, the Pirates released Brentz.<ref>{{Cite web |last=Williams |first=Tim |date=August 16, 2019 |title=Minor Moves: Pirates Release Jake Brentz, Move Adrian Valerio and Mitchell Tolman up a Level |url=https://www.piratesprospects.com/2019/08/minor-moves-pirates-release-jake-brentz-move-adrian-valerio-and-mitchell-tolman-up-a-level.html |access-date=2025-01-05 |website=Pirates Prospects}}</ref>
===Kansas City Royals=== On August 20, 2019, Brentz signed a minor league contract with the Kansas City Royals organization.<ref>{{Cite web |last=Kuhlmann |first=Minda Haas |date=August 21, 2019 |title=Royals Rumblings – News for August 21, 2019 |url=https://www.royalsreview.com/2019/8/21/20825745/royals-rumblings-news-for-august-21-2019 |access-date=2025-01-05 |website=Royals Review}}</ref> He finished the 2019 season with the Double-A Northwest Arkansas Naturals, hurling {{fraction|5|1|3}} innings of 3.38 ERA ball with 8.4 K/9.<ref>{{Cite web |last=Gillespie |first=Mike |date=July 20, 2020 |title=New KC Royals hurler Jake Brentz is work in progress |url=https://kingsofkauffman.com/2020/07/20/kc-royals-jake-brentz-work-progress/ |access-date=2025-01-05 |website=Kings of Kauffman}}</ref> On July 19, 2020, Brentz was added to the Royals 60-man player pool, a replacement for the minor leagues due to the cancellation of the Minor League Baseball season because of the COVID-19 pandemic.<ref>{{Cite web |last=Franco |first=Anthony |date=July 19, 2020 |title=Royals Add Jake Brentz To Player Pool |url=https://www.mlbtraderumors.com/2020/07/royals-add-jake-brentz-to-player-pool.html |access-date=2025-01-05 |website=MLB Trade Rumors |language=en-US}}</ref> Brentz was invited to spring training for the Royals in 2021.<ref>{{Cite web |last=Rieper |first=Max |date=February 5, 2021 |title=Get to know the 29 non-roster invitees to Royals spring training |url=https://www.royalsreview.com/2021/2/5/22268359/get-to-know-the-29-non-roster-invitees-to-royals-spring-training |access-date=2025-01-05 |website=Royals Review}}</ref>
On April 1, 2021, Brentz had his contract selected to the 40-man roster, and it was announced that he had made the Royals Opening Day roster.<ref>{{Cite web |date=April 1, 2021 |title=Royals add Brentz, Isbel to Opening Day roster, DFA Viloria, Blewett |url=http://www.foxsports.com/kansas-city/story/kansas-city-royals-add-jake-brentz-kyle-isbel-to-opening-day-roster-dfa-meibrys-viloria-scott-blewett-040121 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20210414030701/http://www.foxsports.com/kansas-city/story/kansas-city-royals-add-jake-brentz-kyle-isbel-to-opening-day-roster-dfa-meibrys-viloria-scott-blewett-040121 |archive-date=2021-04-14 |website=FOX Sports}}</ref> On April 3, Brentz made his MLB debut in relief against the Texas Rangers, pitching a scoreless 2/3 inning and notching his first major league strikeout, striking out Rangers first baseman Nathaniel Lowe.
Brentz began the 2022 season with Kansas City, posting a 0–3 record and 23.63 ERA with nine strikeouts in eight appearances. On June 12, 2022, Brentz was placed on the 60-day injured list with a left flexor strain.<ref>{{Cite web |date=June 12, 2022 |title=Royals' Jake Brentz: Transferred to 60-day IL |url=https://www.cbssports.com/fantasy/baseball/news/royals-jake-brentz-transferred-to-60-day-il/ |access-date=2023-02-26 |website=cbssports.com |language=en |agency=RotoWire}}</ref> He underwent Tommy John surgery on July 21, ending his season.<ref>{{Cite web|title=Royals' Jake Brentz: Undergoes Tommy John surgery|url=https://www.cbssports.com/fantasy/baseball/news/royals-jake-brentz-undergoes-tommy-john-surgery/amp/|access-date=2023-02-26|website=cbssports.com|language=en}}</ref> On November 15, Brentz was designated for assignment by the Royals.<ref>{{Cite web |last=Worthy |first=Lynn |date=November 15, 2022 |title=The Royals made a flurry of roster moves on Tuesday. Here's why … and what it means |url=https://kansascity.com/sports/mlb/kansas-city-royals/article268775002.html |access-date=July 14, 2023 |website=The Kansas City Star |language=en}}</ref> On November 18, it was announced that the Royals would not tender Brentz a contract for the 2023 season, making him a free agent.
On March 16, 2023, Brentz signed a two-year contract with the Royals.<ref>{{Cite web |last=Rogers |first=Anne |date=March 17, 2023 |title=Brentz signs 2-year deal with Royals: 'I wanted to be here' |url=https://www.mlb.com/royals/news/jake-brentz-royals-deal |access-date=2025-01-05 |website=MLB.com |language=en-US}}</ref> On August 14, he began a rehab assignment with the rookie–level Arizona Complex League Royals.<ref>{{Cite web|title=Royals' Jake Brentz: Making moves in recovery|url=https://www.cbssports.com/fantasy/baseball/news/royals-jake-brentz-making-moves-in-recovery/|access-date=August 29, 2023|website=cbssports.com|date=August 14, 2023 |language=en}}</ref> On August 22, his assignment was moved to Double–A,<ref>{{Cite web|title=Royals' Jake Brentz: Rehab assignment moved to Double-A|url=https://www.cbssports.com/fantasy/baseball/news/royals-jake-brentz-rehab-assignment-moved-to-double-a/|access-date=August 29, 2023|website=cbssports.com|date=August 22, 2023 |language=en}}</ref> however he was removed three days later for an unspecified reason.<ref>{{Cite web|title=Royals' Jake Brentz: Pulled off rehab assignment|url=https://www.cbssports.com/fantasy/baseball/news/royals-jake-brentz-pulled-off-rehab-assignment/|access-date=August 29, 2023|website=cbssports.com|date=August 25, 2023 |language=en}}</ref> The same day, Brentz was diagnosed with a left lat strain that would end his season prematurely.<ref>{{Cite web|title=Royals' Jake Brentz: Suffers season-ending lat strain|url=https://www.cbssports.com/fantasy/baseball/news/royals-jake-brentz-suffers-season-ending-lat-strain/|access-date=August 29, 2023|website=cbssports.com|date=August 25, 2023 |language=en}}</ref>
Brentz began the 2024 season in the minor leagues, and struggled to a 12.71 ERA in 20 appearances split between Northwest Arkansas and the Triple–A Omaha Storm Chasers. He was designated for assignment by the Royals on June 24, 2024.<ref>{{Cite web|title=Royals' Jake Brentz: Departs 40-man roster|url=https://www.cbssports.com/fantasy/baseball/news/royals-jake-brentz-departs-40-man-roster/amp/|date=June 25, 2024|website=cbssports.com|language=en}}</ref> Brentz cleared waivers and was sent outright to Omaha on June 28.<ref>{{Cite web |last=McDonald |first=Darragh |date=June 28, 2024 |title=Royals Outright Jake Brentz |url=https://www.mlbtraderumors.com/2024/06/royals-outright-jake-brentz.html |access-date=2025-01-05 |website=MLB Trade Rumors |language=en-US}}</ref> He elected free agency on October 11.<ref>{{cite web|url=https://www.mlbtraderumors.com/2024/10/eight-players-elect-free-agency.html|title=Eight Players Elect Free Agency|work=MLB Trade Rumors|first=Anthony|last=Franco|date=October 15, 2024|accessdate=October 16, 2024}}</ref>
===Kansas City Monarchs=== On December 7, 2024, Brentz signed a minor league contract with the Tampa Bay Rays.<ref>{{Cite web |title=Transactions |url=https://www.mlb.com/rays/roster/transactions/2024/12 |access-date=2025-01-05 |website=MLB.com |language=en}}</ref> He was released prior to the start of the season on March 13, 2025.<ref>{{Cite web|title=Rays Release Jake Brentz|url=https://www.mlbtraderumors.com/2025/03/rays-release-jake-brentz.html|access-date=March 14, 2025|website=mlbtraderumors.com|date=March 13, 2025 |language=en}}</ref>
On April 15, 2025, Brentz signed with the Kansas City Monarchs of the American Association of Professional Baseball.<ref>{{Cite web|title=2025 Transactions|url=https://aabaseball.com/2025-transactions/|access-date=April 15, 2025|website=aabaseball.com|language=en}}</ref> In 13 appearances for the Monarchs, Brentz logged a 1-1 record and 4.38 ERA with 17 strikeouts and one save across {{fraction|12|1|3}} innings pitched.
===Chicago Cubs=== On June 15, 2025, Brentz's contract was purchased by the Chicago Cubs organization.<ref>{{Cite web|title=2025 Transactions|url=https://aabaseball.com/2025-transactions/|access-date=June 15, 2025|website=aabaseball.com|language=en}}</ref> He made nine appearances split between the rookie-level Arizona Complex League Cubs and Double-A Knoxville Smokies, struggling to a combined 0-1 record and 14.63 ERA with eight strikeouts across eight innings of work. Brentz was released by the Cubs organization on July 28.<ref>{{cite web | title=Transactions | url=https://www.milb.com/transactions/2025-07-28 }}</ref>
===Kansas City Monarchs (second stint)=== On August 16, 2025, Brentz signed with the Kansas City Monarchs of the American Association of Professional Baseball.<ref>{{Cite web|title=2025 Transactions|url=https://aabaseball.com/2025-transactions/|access-date=August 18, 2025|website=aabaseball.com|language=en}}</ref> In total between his two stints with the Monarchs he appeared in 18 games 18 innings of relief going 1-2 with a 5.00 ERA with 21 strikeouts and one save.
==References== {{reflist}}
==External links== {{Baseballstats|mlb=641394|espn=36033|br=b/brentja01|fangraphs=17783|brm=brentz000jac|retro=B/Pbrenj001}}
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{{DEFAULTSORT:Brentz, Jake}} Category:1994 births Category:Living people Category:Altoona Curve players Category:Arizona Complex League Cubs players Category:Arizona Complex League Royals players Category:Baseball players from St. Louis County, Missouri Category:Bluefield Blue Jays players Category:Bradenton Marauders players Category:Clinton LumberKings players Category:Everett AquaSox players Category:Gulf Coast Blue Jays players Category:Indianapolis Indians players Category:Kansas City Monarchs (American Association) players Category:Kansas City Royals players Category:Knoxville Smokies players Category:Major League Baseball pitchers Category:Northwest Arkansas Naturals players Category:Omaha Storm Chasers players Category:People from Ballwin, Missouri Category:Tacoma Rainiers players Category:21st-century American sportsmen