December 16, 2019
Photo credit: Wade Rackley
Prospect Brett Wright will be looking for a bigger opportunity in 2020. Wright, who spent his past two seasons with the short-season Vancouver Canadians; hopes to join a full season affiliate next April.
His versatility will fit in well with a full season club as Wright worked hard at sharpening his skills behind the plate this season – while also learning a new position in 2019.
Seeing some improvements behind the plate, Wright believes the work he’s put in with his coaches has paid off.
“I feel like I made big strides this year with my catching,” explained Wright. “I struggled my first year, because of all of the new stuff our organization wants from their catchers. I really brought into what they’re trying to teach us and I feel it has paid off.”
Wright maintained a .978 fielding percentage in 258 innings behind the plate in 2019. Wright, also threw out 18-of-48 potential base stealers for the Canadians.
The prospect also played seven games at first base in 2019 where he maintained a .955 fielding percentage in 59 innings.
Enjoying his time at first, Wright talks about what he likes about playing his new position.
“I like playing first a lot,” said Wright. “It’s something new for me, and it’s another way I can help the team win by giving another guy a day off at first, and having another catcher come in and get some time at the position. First base is harder than it looks, and I made it look pretty hard in the games I’ve played there this year.”
Also working hard at finding consistency at the plate; Wright’s time in pro ball has been a little up-and-down to date.
Finishing 2019 with a line of .192/.333/.300 will be an area Wright will be looking to improve on next year.
Hoping to find more consistency at higher levels with a better plate approach tailored around better pitching.
“I’m still figuring my approach out,” stated Wright. “I’m always looking for a fastball to hit. It’s hard at the lower levels trying to figure out what the pitcher is trying to do. They will throw two fastball way outside, so when I’m sitting heater in a 2-0 count, they’ll throw a slider for a strike. By the time I figure out what he’s trying to do, they’ve brought a new pitcher in for my next at-bat. I get four at-bats a game and face four different pitchers at this level.”
Watch for Brett Wright in 2020, as he works hard at both phases of the game for one of the Blue Jays’ affiliates.