Brecht -- in 1st outing since '24 Draft -- wows at Spring Breakout
GLENDALE, Ariz. -- Sunday's Spring Breakout showcase was the perfect unveiling for Rockies No. 5 prospect Brody Brecht. A right-handed pitcher from the University of Iowa whom the Rockies selected 38th overall last summer, Brecht had a nice collegiate resume, an interesting backstory as a former wide receiver for the
GLENDALE, Ariz. -- Sunday's Spring Breakout showcase was the perfect unveiling for Rockies No. 5 prospect Brody Brecht.
A right-handed pitcher from the University of Iowa whom the Rockies selected 38th overall last summer, Brecht had a nice collegiate resume, an interesting backstory as a former wide receiver for the Hawkeyes and, of course, an attention-grabbing prospect ranking. But because he didn’t play in the Minors after being drafted, he was seen only on the back fields during instructional ball and Minor League camp.
After Brecht’s spotless, two-strikeout inning in the Rockies prospects' 3-1 victory over the White Sox prospects at Camelback Ranch, a wider audience should want to see more from him.
Brecht, 22, was more than eager for his breakout.
“It’s been a long offseason -- a long time without a game -- especially after not going [to a Minor League team] after the Draft,” Brecht said. “So I was really excited to go out there and play the game.”
Brecht replaced starter Gabriel Hughes (who threw two scoreless innings) and came back from a 2-0 count to fan White Sox No. 29 prospect Wilfred Veras swinging, authored another swinging K of Tim Elko and worked Chicago's No. 10 prospect George Wolkow into a fly ball to right field.
Out of the six swings he induced, Brecht coaxed four whiffs, a foul ball and Wolkow’s fly ball.
“I just wanted to establish a fastball and let everything else play off that -- let the slider work, let the splitter go to work, too,” Brecht said. “Just attack the zone, get ahead early and then everything else plays off each other.”
It’s not just Minor League fans and Rockies Nation who want to see more of Brecht.
“I absolutely loved his arm action, snapping that breaking ball really well,” said Double-A Hartford manager Bobby Meacham, who managed the Rockies' Spring Breakout club. “I could tell how happy he was to be out there healthy and pitching in a game like this. It must’ve been a ton of fun.”
📩 SUBSCRIBE TO THE BASEBALL TRAVELER NEWSLETTER
THREE MORE TAKEAWAYS FROM SPRING BREAKOUT
• Hughes (Colorado's No. 16 prospect) rounded out the impression: Many in Rockies camp were taken by Hughes’ intellectually curious manner, and impressed by the way he has been gradually rebuilding his off-speed pitches since undergoing Tommy John surgery in 2023.
But after each of his innings -- the two-strikeout first inning and a second-inning that featured a double-play grounder from MLB Pipeline's No. 39-ranked prospect Colson Montgomery -- Hughes was quite animated as he left the mound. He is as competitive as he is cerebral.
“I’m never going to back down the intensity,” Hughes said. “That’s just how I play, and I was happy to be able to go out and showcase that intensity.
“It’s incredible being around guys that I’m going to be moving up with, playing with in the future. And we came out with a win.”
• Amador (Rockies' No. 7 prospect) shows his full game: Considering Adael Amador’s bat-to-ball skills and strike-zone control, it's no surprise that he boasts a .472 on-base percentage and .805 OPS in 16 Cactus League games this spring.
While Amador is more a gap hitter than a power hitter, he knocked 14 homers in Hartford last year and showed off his power with a two-run homer off Riley Gowens in the sixth inning Sunday.
But the lasting impression came when Amador ranged to his left to nab Montgomery’s grounder to start a double play in the second. Amador moved from shortstop last year, but he took much of the season to find a level of comfort.
After bulking up last year, Amador lost movement and flexibility and dealt with oblique issues. The new Amador looks the part of a second baseman.
“I love that kid,” said Meacham, who managed Amador last season and made developing him as a second baseman a personal project. “He worked his butt off and I could see that coming into Spring Training. I saw him the first day and was like, ‘Wow. He looks great, looks like he lost a little weight.’ Then the first time I saw him fielding ground balls, I was like, ‘He’s been working on some of the stuff.’”
• Remember these arms: In 2023, righty prospect Jordy Vargas (No. 14 in the Rockies' system) joined Hughes and Rockies rotation members Germán Márquez and Antonio Senzatela in undergoing Tommy John surgeries from Rangers physician Dr. Keith Meister over one of the darkest periods in Rockies history. Now healthy, Vargas threw a clean, 13-pitch seventh inning.
“I didn’t know much about him, but I saw him pitch once earlier this spring and it was a ‘Who is that guy?’ kind of thing,” Meacham said. “It’s so fun to see guys have success after going through that full year of work coming back from surgery.”
Lefty reliever Welinton Herrera (No. 23) entered with two out and two on in the fifth and fanned White Sox No. 8 prospect Chase Meidroth.
“He’s kind of flown under the radar with people outside of the Rockies, not us,” Rockies pitching strategist Flint Wallace said of Herrera, 20, who struck out 92 in 62 1/3 combined innings with Single-A Fresno and High-A Spokane last year.
Senior Reporter Thomas Harding has covered the Rockies since 2000, and for MLB.com since 2002.
Chesapeake Baysox Unveil New Alternate Identity: The Chesapeake Oyster Catchers
Bowie, MD (March 21, 2025) – The Chesapeake Baysox, Double-A affiliate of the Baltimore Orioles, are proud to introduce a new alternate identity for the 2025 season. For select home games, the Chesapeake Baysox will take the field as the Chesapeake Oyster Catchers as a tribute to the Chesapeake Bay’s
Baysox FREE Family Fun Fest Returns to Prince George's Stadium Saturday, March 22
Bowie, MD (February 18, 2025) -The Chesapeake Baysox, Double-A Affiliate of the Baltimore Orioles, are happy to announce that their annual FREE Family Fun Fest, in conjunction with Macaroni KID Bowie-Crofton-Odenton, will take place on Saturday, March 22 from 10 a.m. to 1 p.m. at Prince George’s Stadium, with National
Baysox Announce 2025 Promotional Schedule
Bowie, MD (March 10, 2025) – The Chesapeake Baysox, Double-A affiliate of the Baltimore Orioles, are thrilled to announce their action-packed promotional schedule for the 2025 season. Fans can look forward to 19 postgame fireworks shows, exciting bobblehead giveaways, and a variety of fun-filled theme nights designed to make this
Eight Former Baysox Named to 2025 Orioles Spring Breakout Roster
Bowie, MD – March 6, 2025 - Major League Baseball announced rosters for the 2025 Spring Breakout on Thursday. Eight former Baysox feature on the Orioles roster for the event, with the squad set to host the best prospects from the New York Yankees organization on Saturday, March 15 at
The Maryland-National Capital Park and Planning Commission Teams Up with Maryland Stadium Authority and Attain Sports for $50 Million Renovation of Prince George’s Stadium
Bowie, MD (January 29, 2025) – The Maryland-National Capital Park and Planning Commission (M-NCPPC), in partnership with the Maryland Stadium Authority (MSA) and Attain Sports, owner of the Chesapeake Baysox—the Double-A affiliate of the Baltimore Orioles—today announced plans to design and construct significant renovations to Prince George’s Stadium in Bowie,
Orioles Announce 2025 Chesapeake Baysox Coaching Staff
Bowie, MD – January 24, 2025 - The Baltimore Orioles and Chesapeake Baysox have announced the coaching staff for the 2025 season, highlighted by returning manager Roberto Mercado. This season will be the second for Mercado as the Baysox skipper. He was named the 17th manager in Baysox franchise history
Chesapeake Baysox 12 Days of Christmas Starts Cyber Monday
Bowie, MD – November 27, 2025 – The Chesapeake Baysox welcome the holiday season with their annual 12 Days of Christmas holiday offers. Starting on Cyber Monday, December 2 and running through December 17 the Baysox will offer different ballpark experiences or autographed items along with the purchase of a
Double-A Affiliate of the Baltimore Orioles Announce New Team Name: Chesapeake Baysox
Bowie, MD – November 22, 2024 – The Baysox announced today the team’s official renaming to the Chesapeake Baysox during a special event at The Chesapeake Bay Foundation in Annapolis. The updated team name represents a new chapter in Baysox baseball, expanding the brand to better reflect the broad and
Baysox 2024 Arizona Fall League Recap
BOWIE, M.D. (November 19, 2024) - The 2024 Arizona Fall League concluded on Saturday night, as the Surprise Saguaros, led by 2024 Bowie Baysox manager Roberto Mercado with a roster that included four members of the 2024 Baysox, faced off against the Salt River Rafters for the AFL championship. The
Enrique Bradfield Jr. Named Minor League Baseball Rawlings Gold Glove Award Winner
Bowie, M.D. (November 5, 2024) - Minor League Baseball, along with Rawlings Sporting Goods company, announced on Monday that 2024 Baysox outfielder Enrique Bradfield Jr. was named a recipient of the Rawlings Gold Glove Award as one of the top defensive outfielders in Minor League Baseball for the 2024 season.
HOW TO FOLLOW: Baysox To Make Major Announcement On Friday, November 22
Bowie, M.D. - The Baysox are set to make a franchise announcement at an event on the morning of Friday, November 22 at 8:30 a.m. ET at the Chesapeake Bay Foundation in Annapolis. Fans can follow along with the announcement using any of the channels below: - Facebook - Click
DJ Kool to perform at Tacos & Tequila Music Fest
Bowie, M.D. (September 27, 2024) – D.C. hip-hop legend DJ Kool is scheduled to perform at the Tacos & Tequila Music Fest on Saturday, October 5 at Prince George’s Stadium. He will join an all-star lineup from the “I Love The 90s” tour featuring Vanilla Ice, Treach from Naughty by
Four 2024 Baysox to participate in Arizona Fall League
Bowie, M.D. (September 25, 2024) – Four players from the 2024 Bowie Baysox have been selected to participate in the Arizona Fall League (AFL), which begins on Monday, October 7. C Creed Willems, RHP Tyler Burch, OF Douglas Hodo III and RHP Houston Roth will play for the Surprise Saguaros
Samuel Basallo named Eastern League’s Top MLB Prospect
Bowie, M.D. (September 24, 2024) – Minor League Baseball has named C Samuel Basallo the 2024 Eastern League Top MLB Prospect, as voted on by league managers. In 106 games this season for the Baysox, Basallo slashed .289/.355/.465 with 22 doubles, 16 home runs, 55 RBI and nine stolen bases.
Baysox Announce 2025 Home Schedule
Bowie, M.D. (August 12, 2024) – The Bowie Baysox, Double-A affiliate of the Baltimore Orioles, have announced their home schedule for the 2025 Eastern League season. 2025 will mark the 33rd season of Baysox baseball. The Baysox will play 69 home games at Prince George’s Stadium, beginning with the home
Tacos & Tequila Music Fest Scheduled for October 5
Bowie, M.D. (April 10, 2024) - The Bowie Baysox, the Double-A affiliate of the Baltimore Orioles, have announced that for the first time ever at Prince George’s Stadium, the Tacos & Tequila Music Fest will take place on Saturday, October 5 from 3:00 pm – 10:00 pm. The award-winning Tacos
Dylan Beavers promoted to Triple-A Norfolk
Bowie, M.D. (September 18, 2024) - The Baltimore Orioles announced Wednesday afternoon that outfielder Dylan Beavers has been promoted from the Double-A Bowie Baysox to the Triple-A Norfolk Tides. In 119 games this season, Beavers slashed .241/.343/.413 with 19 doubles, five triples, 15 home runs, 50 RBI and 31 stolen
Baysox defeated in 10 innings in season finale
BOX SCORE ERIE, PA. — The Bowie Baysox, Double-A affiliate of the Baltimore Orioles, fell in the regular season finale to the Erie SeaWolves, Double-A affiliate of the Detroit Tigers, by a final score of 5-4 in 10 innings on Sunday afternoon from UPMC Park. Bowie (30-39, 62-75) opened the
Baysox battle back in Saturday victory
BOX SCORE ERIE, PA. — The Bowie Baysox, Double-A affiliate of the Baltimore Orioles, scored two runs in the final two innings to defeat the Erie SeaWolves, Double-A affiliate of the Detroit Tigers, by a final score of 2-1 on Saturday night from UPMC Park. Erie (38-29, 76-58) took the
Baysox bats sputter in Friday defeat
BOX SCORE ERIE, PA. — The Bowie Baysox, Double-A affiliate of the Baltimore Orioles, lost to the Erie SeaWolves, Double-A affiliate of the Detroit Tigers, by a final score of 5-1 on Friday night from UPMC Park. Bowie (29-38, 61-74) took the first lead of the game four batters in
Young delivers late in Thursday victory
BOX SCORE ERIE, PA. — The Bowie Baysox, Double-A affiliate of the Baltimore Orioles, took down the Erie SeaWolves, Double-A affiliate of the Detroit Tigers, by a final score of 2-1 on Thursday night from UPMC Park. With the game tied at one with one out in the ninth and
Baysox let early lead slip in Wednesday defeat
BOX SCORE ERIE, PA. — The Bowie Baysox, Double-A affiliate of the Baltimore Orioles, fell to the Erie SeaWolves, Double-A affiliate of the Detroit Tigers, by a final score of 10-6 on Wednesday night from UPMC Park. Bowie (28-37, 60-73) jumped out to a 3-0 lead two and a half
Baysox hold off SeaWolves for series opening win
BOX SCORE ERIE, PA. — The Bowie Baysox, Double-A affiliate of the Baltimore Orioles, held off the Erie SeaWolves, Double-A affiliate of the Detroit Tigers, by a final score of 3-2 on Tuesday night from UPMC Park. Bowie (28-36, 60-72) took a 1-0 lead four batters in a Creed Willems
Orioles OF Heston Kjerstad to continue rehab assignment with Double-A Bowie
Bowie, M.D. (September 10, 2024) – The Bowie Baysox, Double-A affiliate of the Baltimore Orioles, have announced that Orioles outfielder Heston Kjerstad is expected to continue his rehab assignment tonight against the Erie SeaWolves from UPMC Park in Erie, Pa. First pitch tonight is scheduled for 6:05 pm. Kjerstad has
Baysox defense stumbles late in home finale loss
BOX SCORE BOWIE, MD. — The Bowie Baysox, Double-A affiliate of the Baltimore Orioles, fell to the Harrisburg Senators, Double-A affiliate of the Washington Nationals, by a final score of 7-3 on Sunday afternoon in the regular season home finale from Prince George’s Stadium. Bowie (27-36, 59-72) took a 2-0