Position: LHP
Height: 6’5”
Weight: 220 lbs
Bats/Throws: L/L
Born: 10/06/1997
High School: Shawnee Mission East HS (Prairie Village, KS)
Drafted: Supp. 1st round, 40th Overall, 2016 (Braves)
How Acquired: Waiver claim (from Tigers)
Bonus: $3,050,000
40-man Roster: Yes
Rule 5 Eligible: N/A
Minor League Free Agency: N/A
Options Left: 0
Overview
The Braves selected Wentz out of high school in the supplemental first round in 2016. He had a lot of attraction as a 6’5” lefty with a fastball that had reportedly reached 96 mph. His curve was considered very good at the time and he was developing a change. As a prospect in the minors, both secondary pitches were considered above-average at times, but more recently they’ve been regarded as average or fringy, with the change probably the better one. His fastball is now in the 93-94 range and he also goes a lot with a cutter that might be his best pitch. His command is inconsistent, although he hasn’t had especially high walk rates. A starter throughout his career, Wentz moved to the bullpen with Detroit in 2024. He’s had a significant platoon split in the majors, allowing an .864 OPS to right-handed hitters and .702 to left-handed hitters. The Pirates claimed Wentz off waivers from the Tigers.
2016-20
Wentz started off after the draft with four scoreless starts in rookie ball, then made eight more starts in advanced rookie ball. He then spent 2017-18 at the two class A levels, putting up ERAs of 2.60 and 2.28 at low and high A, with a WHIP of 1.10 and 1.09. He missed about 40% of 2018 with an oblique injury.
In AA in 2019, Wentz was less successful, posting a 4.72 ERA in 20 starts with the Braves. At the deadline, Atlanta traded him to Detroit and he finished with five much better starts in AA for the Tigers. In March 2020, Wentz had Tommy John surgery, costing him the 2020 season. Detroit added him to their 40-man roster after the season.
2021-22
Wentz returned in late May of 2021 and returned to AA in late June. He pitched reasonably well in AA, although he had control problems.
In 2022, Wentz made five starts in AAA, then made his major league debut in May in a start that didn’t go well. He went back to AAA, but suffered a shoulder strain that cost him nearly all of June and July. Wentz returned to AAA in August, then got called up in September and pitched well, allowing just five earned runs in 26 innings.
2023-24
In 2023, Wentz shuttled back and forth between AAA and the majors several times, although he spent most of his time with the Tigers. He made 19 starts and six relief appearances. His time in the majors was rough, as opponents hammered him for an .893 OPS, resulting in a 6.90 ERA. Gopher balls were a big problem, as he allowed 25 in just 105.2 IP. In 2024, the Tigers moved Wentz to the bullpen and he made 38 appearances through the end of August. He had a 5.37 ERA, although his xFIP was a bit better at 4.23. He was hurt by a slightly high BABIP of .333 and slightly low strand rate of 69.8%. Gopher balls — eight in 55.1 IP — and walks — 4.4 BB/9 — were moderate problems. The Tigers designated Wentz for assignment at the end of August and the Pirates claimed him. He pitched well for them in eight outings. Over 12 innings, he gave up six hits and six walks, and fanned 13.
Wentz is out of options.
Stats
Transactions
June 9, 2016: Drafted by the Atlanta Braves in the Supplemental 1st round, 40th overall pick; signed on June 15.
July 31, 2019: Traded by the Atlanta Braves with Travis Demeritte to the Detroit Tigers for Shane Greene.
November 20, 2020: Contract purchased by the Detroit Tigers.
September 3, 2024: Claimed off waivers from the Detroit Tigers by the Pittsburgh Pirates.