JANUARY 31, 2020, HIGH POINT, N.C. – The High Point Rockers have signed former Major League outfielder Bryce Brentz to join the 2020 roster. A former first round draft pick by the Boston Red Sox, Brentz spent parts of the 2014 and 2016 seasons in the big leagues while spending most of his ten-year career in Triple-A with Pawtucket. 

 

“This is a great sign for us and a big bat to add into the lineup,” exclaimed Jamie Keefe, Rockers manager. “Bryce is a guy who has consistently produced at the plate over the last decade at a very high level. His approach and makeup will be a huge asset to the rest of the guys in that clubhouse.” 

 

After being drafted in the first round by the Red Sox in 2010, he quickly rose through the ranks making his Major League debut on September 17, 2014, going 1-for-1 in a game against Pittsburgh. Over the course of two seasons in “The Show”, Brentz played in 34 games hitting .287 with one homerun and nine runs batted in. The majority of his playing time came at the corner outfield positions where he has 68 career outfield assists in his ten seasons. 

 

The 31-year-old was a Triple-A All-Star in 2017, winning the Home Run Derby that year, before being traded to Pittsburgh that offseason. He was later claimed off waivers by the New York Mets and hit .264 with the Las Vegas 51’s, belting 15 homers and driving in 47 runs, before rejoining Pawtucket for the 2019 season. A native of East Tennessee, he currently resides in Murfreesboro, a suburb of Nashville. 

 

This will be the first stint in independent baseball for Brentz, who was originally drafted out of high school by the Cleveland Indians in 2007 before choosing to go to Middle Tennessee State. During his three seasons with the Raiders, he named a Freshman All-American by Louisville Slugger in 2008, a consensus All-American & Sun Belt Conference Player of the Year in 2009, and the Preseason Conference Player of the Year in 2010. Brentz still holds the record for career homeruns (61) and career slugging percentage (.756) as well as single season records for batting average (.465). slugging percentage (.930), runs scored (79), home runs (28), hits (107), and total bases (214), all in the 2009 season. 

 

Brentz becomes the second former Major Leaguer to join the Rockers this season, joining infielder Tyler Ladendorf. Tickets are already on sale for the 2020 campaign via Season Ticket Memberships or Group Outings. Fans can book their trip to BB&T Point by calling (336) 888-1000 or by sliding to HighPointRockers.com. Opening Day is Thursday, April 30th at 7:00pm when the Rockers host the Southern Maryland Blue Crabs.