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.
Bachman-Turner Overdrive and The Marshall Tucker Band in Concert
GRAND CHUTE, WI – The Wisconsin Timber Rattlers are proud to present Bachman-Turner Overdrive and The Marshall Tucker Band with Jefferson Starship in concert for the Roll On Down The Highway 2025 Tour at Neuroscience Group Field on Thursday, July 24. Tickets for the concert benefiting Heat and Housing For
Wisconsin Timber Rattlers Fan Fest & Rummage Sale Set for April 2
GRAND CHUTE, WI – The 2025 Wisconsin Timber Rattlers are ready for you! Fan Fest will be held at Neuroscience Group Field on Wednesday, April 2. A rummage sale will be held on the same day in the Fox Communities Credit Union Fox Club. Both events are scheduled to be
Timber Rattlers Present Granjeros de Wisconsin
GRAND CHUTE, WI – The Wisconsin Timber Rattlers have combined two great promotions into one new alternate identity for Minor League Baseball’s Copa de la Diversion. The Timber Rattlers incredibly popular Udder Tuggers identity provided the inspiration to celebrate baseball’s Hispanic heritage with the creation of Granjeros de Wisconsin!
Here’s Where to Find the Timber Rattlers on TV & Radio in 2025
GRAND CHUTE, WI – If you can’t make it out to Neuroscience Group Field for a Wisconsin Timber Rattlers game, the Midwest League affiliate of the Milwaukee Brewers have lots of options to make sure you don’t miss a pitch this season. Broadcast partners WACY (tv32) and WCWF (CW-14) will
25th Anniversary Green Bay Charity Softball Game Hosted by Jordan Love presented by Network Health
GRAND CHUTE, WI – Jordan Love will host the 2025 Green Bay Charity Softball Game presented by Network Health. The Game will start at 7:05pm on Friday, May 23 at Neuroscience Group Field. The event will raise money for Love’s Hands of 10ve Foundation.
3 Little Pigs Grilled Cheese Victorious in 2025 Nueske’s Applewood Smoked Meats Food Fight
GRAND CHUTE, WI – The finalists of the 2025 Nueske’s Applewood Smoked Meats Food Fight huffed…and they puffed…and after the votes were counted, the 3 Little Pigs Grilled Cheese sandwich was left standing as the winner!
Timber Rattlers Bring Wisconsin Frozen Pizzas to Life
GRAND CHUTE, WI – Wisconsin is the “Frozen Pizza Capital of the World”. Now, the state has a baseball team to call its own. The Wisconsin Timber Rattlers have unveiled the Wisconsin Frozen Pizzas as a new identity for the team’s alternate arsenal.
2025 Timber Rattlers Promotional Calendar: Theme Night Ticket Packages
GRAND CHUTE, WI – Extras! Extras! Get all the extras with Theme Night Ticket packages from the Wisconsin Timber Rattlers during the 2025 season. We have everything from Princesses to Wrestlers and Sitcom Stars to Hoop Heroes available to make your night at Neuroscience Group Field memorable when you attend
2025 Timber Rattlers Promotional Calendar: Theme Nights & Special Appearances
GRAND CHUTE, WI – It’s the final day of Promo Calendar Week for the Wisconsin Timber Rattlers as we announce some theme nights and special guests who will be appearing at Neuroscience Group Field in 2025.
Final Five Announced for 2025 Nueske’s Applewood Smoked Meats Food Fight
GRAND CHUTE, WI – There were 58 bacony-good recipes submitted by Wisconsin Timber Rattlers fans to the 2025 Nueske’s Applewood Smoked Meats Food Fight. Those 58 have been whittled to a Final Five. Now, you get your say as you get to vote for your favorite Finalist.
2025 Timber Rattlers Promotional Calendar: Giveaways
GRAND CHUTE, WI – The Wisconsin Timber Rattlers continue announcing their 2025 promotional calendar today with the giveaways that are scheduled this season.
2025 Timber Rattlers Promotional Calendar: Daily Specials
GRAND CHUTE, WI – The Wisconsin Timber Rattlers are ready to announce their promotional calendar for the 2025 season. There is so much going on this season that we are going to spread this out over the next four days. The week starts with the Daily Promotions. Keep your eyes
Victor Estevez Returns to Manage the Timber Rattlers in 2025
GRAND CHUTE, WI – Victor Estevez is back on the Wisconsin Timber Rattlers bench for the 2025 Midwest League season. The Milwaukee Brewers have announced Estevez, who led the 2024 Timber Rattlers to the Midwest League Championship Series and won the Midwest League’s Manager of the Year award, will return
Nueske’s Applewood Smoked Meats Presents the 2025 Wisconsin Timber Rattlers Food Fight
GRAND CHUTE, WI – Bacon makes everything better. That is why the Wisconsin Timber Rattlers and Nueske’s Applewood Smoked Meats are celebrating the tenth Food Fight with a bacon-infused challenge to fans of the Milwaukee Brewers Midwest League affiliate. Starting today – Thursday, February 6 – the public is invited
2025 Wisconsin Timber Rattlers Bobblehead Ticket Package is Available
GRAND CHUTE, WI – The Wisconsin Timber Rattlers went to the lab at the end of the 2024 season to begin concocting their plans for an amazing 2025 season. They came up with a terrific bobblehead lineup that features former Rattlers players, mascots, and a few that are so secret
Salmon’s Becomes Official Bratwurst of the Timber Rattlers
GRAND CHUTE, WI – Fans will enjoy a new official bratwurst of the Wisconsin Timber Rattlers beginning this season. Salmon’s Meat Products is set to provide brats at Neuroscience Group Field.
New Official Hot Dog of the Timber Rattlers is FAMOUS….Nathan’s Famous
GRAND CHUTE, WI – Nathan’s Famous Hot Dogs will be available at all events held at Neuroscience Group Field starting this year as the new official hot dog of the Wisconsin Timber Rattlers.
Timber Rattlers Announce New Staff Member and Promotion from Within
GRAND CHUTE, WI – The Wisconsin Timber Rattlers are announcing two moves in their front office prior to the start of the 2025 Midwest League season. Samantha Hartman has been promoted to Senior Account Manager and Lindsay Krznarich joins the Timber Rattlers ticket team.
Gustafson Joins Timber Rattlers Front Office
GRAND CHUTE, WI – Aren Gustafson has been hired as the stadium operations manager for Wisconsin Timber Rattlers. Gustafson spent the summer as an intern for the Timber Rattlers before joining the team in a full-time capacity. He will be responsible for stadium upkeep and maintenance along with overseeing interns
Cooper Pratt Honored with Gold Glove by Minor League Baseball and Rawlings™
GRAND CHUTE, WI – Cooper Pratt has a Gold Glove. The Wisconsin Timber Rattlers shortstop made the shortlist of the best defenders in Minor League Baseball as the Gold Glove winner at his position. The full list was announced by MiLB and Rawlings™ earlier today.