Like Devon Marrero (INF,Red Sox), Brentz is another former Red Sox first-round selection (CRA, #36 overall, 2010 MLB Draft) who has enjoyed a breakout year in Triple-A, being second in the league in home runs (27) and slugging percentage (.546), fourth in RBI’s (76), and fourth in OPS (.890), while being named to the International League All-Star Team, and winning the All-Star Game’s home run derby with 18 bombs in the final round. In my three-game look this past weekend, Brentz went 5-for-11 with three home runs and eight RBI’s.

Brentz has a fully developed, strong and durable frame. He has taken a more aggressive approach at the plate when compared to my prior views of the player, and he’s also incorporated a new toe-tap trigger which has resulted in improved timing and a more consistent swing path – so much so, in fact, that he has hit 21 home runs since he brought the adjustment into game ABs on May 23. The approach is hampered by below-average pitch recognition, and he is prone to swinging at a lot of first pitches as he hunts for fastballs. When he does connect, however, he’s a cripple hitter capable of punishing pitchers’ mistakes, using his quick bat and uppercut-type swing path to generate loft, leverage, and strength in his swing. It gives him double-plus raw power, but the power projects to average game power at the next level because of the overall below average hitting ability. On the bases, he’s a below average runner but he won’t clog the bases.

Defensively, Brentz brings fringe-average ability to left field, and it limits him to that position in the big leagues. The range is below average but playable, and the reads and jumps were suspect in these views, though the arm was average. He should bring some value as a Role 40, part-time role player off the bench, who could see duty in both left field, and as a DH.