Roster Move: Cubs sign lefty Jake Brentz

Nathan Ray Seebeck - USA Today Sports

Dustin Riese · Senior Writer · 7 hours ago

Although an unorthodox strategy, the Chicago Cubs have never hesitated to sign players throughout the season, even if they are on minor league deals. That is something Jed Hoyer has done during his entire tenure as the Cubs' president of baseball operations and something he will continue to do as Hoyer knows the value of depth from the top of the organization down.

This season, especially, is testing the Cubs' depth, particularly on the pitching front, as both the starting rotation and the bullpen have taken their share of hits throughout the season. Knowing that more injuries could loom as the season goes on, Hoyer went back to the Minor League market and has come to terms with left-hander Jake Brentz on a Minor League deal.

Brentz is another left-handed pitcher brought in by Hoyer this season, joining Tom Cosgrove, Genesis Cabrera, and Drew Pomeranz, all of whom have contributed to the Cubs' success this year. Chicago is hoping Brentz could be the next one to help this organization, even if it is solely as a minor league depth piece to piece together the organization.

The 30-year-old lefty spent the past few seasons pitching for the Kansas City Royals organization before latching on with the Tampa Bay Rays for Spring Training, before ultimately being let go. Following his release from Tampa, Brentz took an opportunity in the Independent leagues, where he was pitching for the Kansas City Monarchs of the American Association of Professional Baseball.

Although a limited sample size with just 12 1/3 innings of work under his belt this season, they were very good innings as Brentz struck out 17 hitters in those innings. He did that while allowing six runs on 15 hits and walking five, as the overall numbers were solid, but still could have been better had he spent more time in the Independent Leagues.

Now, with the Cubs, the question is where they will stash him, as the Cubs have a long history of signing Independent League arms and having success with them. They are hoping Brentz can follow that trend, as he has the talent and potential to be a huge piece for this team in the near future.

Brentz last appeared in the big leagues in 2022, before having Tommy John surgery. He then spent the entire 2023 season rehabbing from that injury, while also dealing with a left anterior trunk strain; as a result, 2023 was a complete wash for the left-hander. 2024 finally saw Brentz healthy enough to give it another try, but he struggled with his command, which is why the Royals released him that season.

Prior to the injuries, Brentz was an up-and-coming prospect with an arm that had some of his best success in 2021, which is why he managed to reach the majors in 2022. While it does seem unlikely that Brentz helps the big club at any point this season, this is another one of those low-risk pickups that isn't going to hurt the Cubs at all should it work out.

One of the big reasons the Cubs are taking a flyer on him is his elite velocity, as he consistently touches the upper 90s and can reach 100 MPH. Even with his velocity dipping over the past few seasons due to injuries, it is clear that he is healthy again, as evidenced by his return to the upper 90s.

Not only does the fastball stand out, but it is the secondary offerings that set him apart from other Independent League arms, as he is one of those rare four-pitch pitchers. He pairs that fastball with a 91 mph changeup that has continued to evolve over time, while also mixing in a 92 mph cutter and an 87 mph slider.

The slider is the best of his secondary offerings, which shouldn't surprise you when you look at the history of left-handed arms. This is another one of those under-the-radar moves that is going to get overlooked, but it's time to give Hoyer the credit he deserves, especially when it comes to finding these Minor League arms on the market.