December 12, 2018
Photo credit: Santa Clara Baseball
The 2018 calendar year has been a memorable one for Toronto Blue Jays prospect Jake Brodt.
His year began with capping off an excellent collegiate career, where he finished with a .281/.329/.470 slash line in 747 at-bats. But it was more than the consistency that made Brodt an excellent collegiate hitter – but more so his production.
Finishing his time at Santa Clara with 54 doubles, three triples, and 27 home runs; was a promising sign of what could come at the next level for Brodt.
As expected, Brodt holds his time at Santa Clara in high regards, “I feel my time at Santa Clara prepared me well for pro ball,” said Brodt. “Fortunately I had the opportunity to start all four years of my college career which gave me a lot of reps. I’ve had the opportunity to face some of the nations best pitching, so I’m confident moving forward.”
And moving forward he did, as the Blue Jays selected Brodt in the 9th round (266th overall) this past June.
Brodt signed quickly, and was well on his way to Florida in June to join the GCL Blue Jays. Brodt would appear in two games in Florida before going north to Vancouver.
He would register 175 professional at-bats between the two clubs finishing the year with a .229/.254/.349 slash line with 15 doubles and two home runs.
Currently using an aggressive approach at the plate, Brodt admits he’s comfortable facing off-speed pitches in any count.
“At the moment I’m an aggressive hitter, as I feel comfortable early in the count,” explained Brodt. “I’m looking to do damage early. I’ve gotten more comfortable facing off-speed pitches, as I saw a lot of them early in the year, so I had no choice but to learn how to hit an off-speed pitch in any count.”
Brodt will continue to work hard on that in 2019, as well as being a reliable defender at first base.
Logging 380 2/3 innings at first in 2018, Brodt maintained a .988 fielding percentage. The prospect also took part in 28 double plays, and assisted on another 23.
As expected, Brodt takes a lot of pride in his defensive play, “I’m an athletic first baseman, especially for my size,” stated Brodt. “Being 6’5″ I’ve always been placed at first base. This year I got to play a little third base in college, which was fun. I believe it made my defense better seeing both sides of the diamond.”
Be sure to follow Jake Brodt in 2019, as he looks to build off his first professional season.