The 27-year old appeared in only 25 games with the big league club this season, but contributed a solid .279 average and .690 OPS.
Brentz was particularly effective against lefties, owning a .286 average and .738 OPS against them. He has the ability to be a passable fourth outfielder or platoon partner against southpaws, but the Red Sox have a superior option to fill that role in Chris Young.
More from Red Sox News
- Red Sox Nation deserves far more from Fenway Sports Group
- Bizarre trade deadline comes back to haunt Red Sox after Nathan Eovaldi departure
- Red Sox’ Moneyball-style offseason continues with Corey Kluber contract
- Rich Hill’s Red Sox departure puts him within striking distance of unique MLB record
- Red Sox offseason takes another nasty hit with Nathan Eovaldi departure
The Red Sox are loaded in the outfield, with Mookie Betts and Jackie Bradley locked into starting roles and prized prospect Andrew Benintendi likely to stick in left field after a promising debut. Between Young and the versatile Brock Holt, the team has plenty of depth in the outfield.
Brentz could provide value as an option waiting in the wings down in Pawtucket in case injuries depleted that depth, but that won’t happen given that he’s out of options. Barring the unlikely event that he passes through waivers unclaimed, Brentz’s days in this organization may be numbered.
Perhaps he could be used as a piece in a trade package, which would allow the Red Sox to extract some value out of him rather than let him go for nothing.
Opening Day chances: Low