Rob Brantly

{{Infobox baseball biography

|name = Rob Brantly

|image = Rob Brantly on September 23, 2012.jpg

|image_size = 240px

|caption = Brantly with the Miami Marlins in 2012

|team = Miami Marlins

|number = 19

|position = Catcher

|birth_date = {{birth date and age|1989|7|14}}

|birth_place = San Diego, California, U.S.

|bats = Left

|throws = Right

|debutleague = MLB

|debutdate = August 14

|debutyear = 2012

|debutteam = Miami Marlins

|statyear = April 20, 2025

|statleague = MLB

|stat1label = Batting average

|stat1value = .226

|stat2label = Home runs

|stat2value = 7

|stat3label = Runs batted in

|stat3value = 38

|teams =

Miami Marlins ({{mlby|2012}}–{{mlby|2013}})
Chicago White Sox ({{mlby|2015}}, {{mlby|2017}})
Philadelphia Phillies ({{mlby|2019}})
San Francisco Giants ({{mlby|2020}})
New York Yankees ({{mlby|2021}}–{{mlby|2022}})
Tampa Bay Rays ({{mlby|2024}})
Miami Marlins ({{mlby|2025}}–present)

}}

Robert Jacob Brantly (born July 14, 1989) is an American professional baseball catcher for the Miami Marlins of Major League Baseball (MLB). He has previously played in MLB for the Chicago White Sox, Philadelphia Phillies, San Francisco Giants, New York Yankees, and Tampa Bay Rays. The Detroit Tigers drafted Brantly in the third round of the 2010 MLB draft. Before beginning his professional career, Brantly played college baseball for the UC Riverside Highlanders.

Amateur career

Brantly attended Chaparral High School in Temecula, California. The Washington Nationals drafted Brantly in the 46th round of the 2008 Major League Baseball Draft, but Brantly did not sign.{{cite web|author=Alex DiFilippo |url=http://detroit.tigers.mlb.com/news/print.jsp?ymd=20100609&content_id=10976918&vkey=news_det&fext=.jsp&c_id=det |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20160304054238/http://detroit.tigers.mlb.com/news/print.jsp?ymd=20100609&content_id=10976918&vkey=news_det&fext=.jsp&c_id=det |url-status=dead |archive-date=March 4, 2016 |title=Experience, catchers highlight Tigers' Day 2 |publisher=Detroit.tigers.mlb.com |date= |accessdate=July 24, 2012}} He opted to attend college, enrolling at the University of California, Riverside (UCR). He played college baseball for the UCR Highlanders baseball team in the Big West Conference. In the summer after his freshman season, in 2009, he played collegiate summer baseball for the La Crosse Loggers in the Northwoods League, and was named the league's top prospect.{{cite web|url=http://lacrossetribune.com/sports/article_11d0e6bc-92c6-11de-bd99-001cc4c03286.html |title=Baseball America names Loggers' Brantly top prospect in NWL |publisher=Lacrossetribune.com |date=August 26, 2009 |accessdate=July 24, 2012}} In his sophomore season, Brantly was named to the Big West's first team.

Professional career

=Detroit Tigers=

The Detroit Tigers drafted Brantly in the third round, with the 100th overall selection, of the 2010 Major League Baseball Draft.{{cite web|author=Dean Holzwarth | url=http://www.mlive.com/whitecaps/index.ssf/2011/05/whitecaps_catcher_rob_brantly.html |title=Whitecaps catcher Rob Brantly blossoms into leader, swings hot bat |publisher=MLive.com |date= May 17, 2011|accessdate=July 24, 2012}} He made his professional debut with the West Michigan Whitecaps of the Single-A Midwest League that season, recording a .251 batting average in 52 games played. He returned to West Michigan to start the 2011 season and was named to the Midwest League All-Star Game. Brantly was promoted to the Lakeland Flying Tigers of the High-A Florida State League in July.{{cite web|author=Michael Zuidema |url=http://www.mlive.com/whitecaps/index.ssf/2011/07/whitecaps_all-star_catcher_rob.html |title=Whitecaps all-star catcher Rob Brantly promoted to Lakeland |publisher=MLive.com |date= July 21, 2011|accessdate=July 24, 2012}} He finished the year hitting .274/.324/.400 in 114 games between the two teams.

Brantly played for the Erie SeaWolves of the Double-A Eastern League and the Toledo Mud Hens of the Triple-A International League in 2012. He was named to appear in the All-Star Futures Game.{{cite web|url=http://www.toledofreepress.com/2012/07/24/mud-hens%E2%80%99-turner-brantly-traded-to-miami/ |title=Mud Hens' Turner, Brantly traded to Miami | Toledo Newspaper |publisher=Toledofreepress.com |date=July 24, 2012 |accessdate=August 13, 2012}}

=Miami Marlins=

File:Rob Brantly on August 21, 2013.jpg in {{Baseball year|2013}}]]

On July 23, 2012, Brantly, Jacob Turner, and Brian Flynn were traded to the Miami Marlins in exchange for Aníbal Sánchez and Omar Infante.Frisaro, Joe and Tom Green. [http://mlb.mlb.com/news/article.jsp?ymd=20120723&content_id=35427080&vkey=news_mlb&c_id=mlb Marlins deal Anibal, Infante for Tigers prospects] MLB.com. Retrieved July 23, 2012 He was assigned to the New Orleans Zephyrs of the Triple-A Pacific Coast League following his acquisition. The Marlins promoted Brantly to the major leagues for the first time on August 13.{{cite web|last=Fernandez |first=Andre C. |url=http://www.miamiherald.com/2012/08/13/2949055/miami-marlins-call-up-rob-brantly.html |title=Miami Marlins call up Rob Brantly, send Hayes to minors |publisher=MiamiHerald.com |date=August 13, 2012 |accessdate=August 13, 2012}} He made his MLB debut on August 14 as the starting catcher against the Philadelphia Phillies, going 0-for-3. He finished the season batting .290/.372/.460 over 100 at bats in 31 games.{{Cite web|url=https://www.baseball-reference.com/players/b/brantro01.shtml|title=Rob Brantly Stats|website=Baseball-Reference.com}}

Brantly opened the 2013 season as the Marlins Opening Day catcher. He struggled offensively for Miami, hitting just .211./.263/.265 with 1 home run and 18 RBI in a career-high 223 at bats while also dealing with injuries. Brantly spent the entire 2014 season with Triple-A New Orleans, posting a .255/.291/.341 slash line with 4 home runs and 37 RBI.

=Chicago White Sox=

On December 8, 2014, Brantly was claimed off waivers by the Chicago White Sox.{{cite web|url=http://www.sportsnet.ca/baseball/mlb/white-sox-claim-catcher-brantly-off-waivers/|title=White Sox claim catcher Brantly off waivers|work=Sportsnet|date=December 8, 2014|accessdate=December 8, 2014}} He spent the majority of the year split between the Double-A Birmingham Barons and the Triple-A Charlotte Knights, and batted .121/.167/.242 with 1 home run and 6 RBIs in 14 games with the White Sox.

=Seattle Mariners=

On March 12, 2016, the Seattle Mariners claimed Brantly off waivers from the White Sox.{{cite web|url=https://twitter.com/MLBRosterMoves/status/708743201763373057 |title=MLBRosterMoves on Twitter: ".@Mariners claim catcher Rob Brantly off waivers from @WhiteSox; place RHP Ryan Cook on 60-day DL (strained right latissimus dorsi muscle)." |publisher=Twitter.com |date= |accessdate=July 21, 2021}} On April 3, Brantly was designated for assignment after losing the backup catcher competition to Steve Clevenger.{{cite web |url=http://www.cbssports.com/fantasy/baseball/news/mariners-rob-brantly-designated-for-assignment/ |title=Mariners' Rob Brantly: Designated for assignment |work=CBS Sports |date=April 3, 2016}} He spent the season with the Triple-A Tacoma Rainiers, slashing .244/.268/.432 with a career-highs in home runs (14) and RBI (43). Brantly elected free agency following the season on November 7.{{Cite web|title=Minor League Free Agents 2016|url=https://www.baseballamerica.com/stories/minor-league-free-agents-2016/|access-date=July 24, 2024|website=baseballamerica.com|date=November 8, 2016 |language=en}}

=Cincinnati Reds=

On December 3, 2016, Brantly signed a minor league contract with the Cincinnati Reds organization. In 2017, Brantly played in 46 games for the Triple-A Louisville Bats, hitting .298/.335/.435 with 5 home runs and 16 RBI. Brantly was released by Cincinnati on June 29, 2017.{{Cite news|url=http://www.cbssports.com/fantasy/baseball/news/rob-brantly-searching-for-new-club/|title=Rob Brantly: Searching for new club|work=CBSSports.com|access-date=July 1, 2017|language=en}}

=Chicago White Sox (second stint)=

On June 29, 2017, the same day as his release from Cincinnati, Brantly signed a minor league contract with the Chicago White Sox organization.{{Cite news|url=http://www.cbssports.com/fantasy/baseball/news/white-soxs-rob-brantly-inks-minors-deal/|title=White Sox's Rob Brantly: Inks minors deal|work=CBSSports.com|access-date=July 1, 2017|language=en}} Brantly was assigned to Triple-A Charlotte upon signing, and was selected to the active roster on August 26 following an injury to Nicky Delmonico.{{cite web|author=Mark Polishuk |url=https://www.mlbtraderumors.com/2017/08/minor-mlb-transactions-82617.html |title=Minor MLB Transactions: 8/26/17 |publisher=MLB Trade Rumors |date=August 26, 2017 |accessdate=July 21, 2021}} In 14 games with the White Sox he batted .290/.389/.516 with 2 home runs and 5 RBIs in 31 at-bats. Brantly was outrighted off of the 40-man roster on October 4, and elected free agency on October 9.

=Atlanta Braves=

On December 22, 2017, Brantly signed a minor league deal with the Atlanta Braves organization.{{cite web|url=https://www.cbssports.com/fantasy/baseball/news/braves-rob-brantly-agrees-to-terms-with-braves/|title=Braves' Rob Brantly: Agrees to terms with Braves|work=cbssports.com|date=December 22, 2017|accessdate=December 22, 2017}} He was assigned to the Triple-A Gwinnett Stripers to begin the 2018 season, and hit .218/.254/.293 in 58 games before being released on July 15, 2018.{{cite web|author=Steve Adams |url=https://www.mlbtraderumors.com/2018/07/minor-mlb-transactions-71618.html |title=Minor MLB Transactions: 7/16/18 |publisher=MLB Trade Rumors |date=July 16, 2018 |accessdate=July 21, 2021}}

=Cleveland Indians=

On July 21, 2018, Brantly signed a minor league contract with the Cleveland Indians organization.{{cite web|author=Steve Adams |url=https://www.mlbtraderumors.com/2018/07/indians-outright-ryan-merritt-sign-rob-brantly.html |title=Indians Outright Ryan Merritt, Sign Rob Brantly |publisher=MLB Trade Rumors |date=July 23, 2018 |accessdate=July 21, 2021}} Brantly finished the year with the Triple-A Columbus Clippers, going 7-for-41 (.171) in 16 games. On November 2, he elected free agency.{{Cite web|title=Minor League Free Agents 2018|url=https://www.baseballamerica.com/stories/minor-league-free-agents-2018/|access-date=May 1, 2024|website=baseballamerica.com|date=November 6, 2018 |language=en}}

=Philadelphia Phillies=

On December 18, 2018, Brantly signed a minor league contract with the Philadelphia Phillies organization. He was assigned to the Triple-A Lehigh Valley IronPigs to begin the 2019 season. On July 12, 2019, Brantly was selected to the active roster.{{cite web|author=Jeff Todd |url=https://www.mlbtraderumors.com/2019/07/phillies-select-rob-brantly.html |title=Phillies Select Rob Brantly, Move Pat Neshek To 60-Day IL |publisher=MLB Trade Rumors |date=July 12, 2019 |accessdate=July 21, 2021}} Brantly logged 1 at-bat with the Phillies, a strikeout, and was designated for assignment the following day on July 13.{{cite web|author=Ty Bradley |url=https://www.mlbtraderumors.com/2019/07/phillies-designate-rob-brantly-for-assignment.html |title=Phillies Designate Rob Brantly For Assignment |publisher=MLB Trade Rumors |date=July 13, 2019 |accessdate=July 21, 2021}} In 82 games with Lehigh Valley, he batted .314/.404/.462 with 6 home runs and 28 RBI in 236 at-bats.{{Cite web|url=https://www.baseball-reference.com/register/player.fcgi?id=brantl001rob|title=Rob Brantly Minor, Fall & Winter Leagues Statistics & History|website=Baseball-Reference.com}} He elected free agency on September 30.{{cite web|author=Jeff Todd |url=https://www.mlbtraderumors.com/2019/10/position-players-recently-electing-free-agency.html |title=Position Players Recently Electing Free Agency |publisher=MLB Trade Rumors |date=October 22, 2019 |accessdate=July 21, 2021}}

=San Francisco Giants=

On January 18, 2020, Brantly signed a minor league contract with the San Francisco Giants organization.{{cite web|author=Steve Adams |url=https://www.mlbtraderumors.com/2020/01/giants-sign-rob-brantly-catcher.html |title=Giants Sign Rob Brantly To Minor League Deal |publisher=MLB Trade Rumors |date= January 21, 2020|accessdate=July 21, 2021}} Brantly made the Opening Day roster in the COVID-19-shortened 2020 season, and was selected to the active roster on July 23.{{cite web|url=https://www.mlbtraderumors.com/2020/07/giants-select-rico-garcia-darin-ruf-rob-brantly-tyler-heineman.html |title=Giants Select Rico Garcia, Darin Ruf, Rob Brantly, Tyler Heineman |publisher=MLB Trade Rumors |date=July 23, 2020 |accessdate=July 21, 2021}} Brantly went 0-for-3 in one game with San Francisco before being designated for assignment on July 28.{{cite web|author=Steve Adams |url=https://www.mlbtraderumors.com/2020/07/giants-designate-rob-brantly-for-assignment.html |title=Giants Designate Rob Brantly For Assignment |publisher=MLB Trade Rumors |date=July 28, 2020 |accessdate=July 21, 2021}}

=New York Yankees=

On August 26, 2020, Brantly was traded to the New York Yankees in exchange for cash considerations.{{cite web|author=Steve Adams |url=https://www.mlbtraderumors.com/2020/08/giants-trade-rob-brantly-yankees-catcher.html |title=Giants Trade Rob Brantly To Yankees |publisher=MLB Trade Rumors |date=August 26, 2020 |accessdate=July 21, 2021}} Brantly did not play in a game for the Yankees organization due to the cancellation of the minor league season because of the COVID-19 pandemic.{{cite web|title=2020 Minor League Season Canceled|url=https://www.mlbtraderumors.com/2020/06/2020-minor-league-season-will-be-canceled.html|website=mlbtraderumors.com|date=June 30, 2020 |language=en}} On October 13, he elected free agency.

On December 12, Brantly re-signed with the Yankees organization on a minor league contract and was invited to spring training. He was assigned to the Triple-A Scranton/Wilkes-Barre RailRiders to begin the 2021 season. On July 16, 2021, Brantly's contract was selected by the Yankees, after Kyle Higashioka tested positive for COVID-19 and was placed on the COVID-19 list.{{cite web|url=https://www.nj.com/yankees/2021/07/yankees-red-sox-lineups-friday-trey-amburgey-chris-gittens-in-luke-voit-on-il-greg-allen-hoy-park-rob-brantly-recalled-71621.html|title=Yankees, Red Sox lineups Friday | Trey Amburgey, Chris Gittens in; Luke Voit on IL; Greg Allen, Hoy Park, Rob Brantly recalled (7/16/21)|first=Randy|last=Miller|work=NJ.com|date=July 16, 2021|accessdate=July 16, 2021}} Brantly went 2-for-15 with a double and three strikeouts in 4 games for the Yankees. On July 26, Brantly was removed from the 40-man roster and returned to Triple-A Scranton.{{Cite web|url=https://www.cbssports.com/fantasy/baseball/news/yankees-rob-brantly-sent-to-minors/|title = Yankees' Rob Brantly: Sent to minors| date=July 26, 2021 }} On August 5, he was promoted back to the majors when Gary Sánchez tested positive for COVID-19.{{cite web |last1=Axisa |first1=Mike |title=Yankees catcher Gary Sánchez tests positive for COVID-19 |url=https://www.cbssports.com/mlb/news/yankees-catcher-gary-sanchez-tests-positive-for-covid-19/ |website=CBS Sports |date=August 5, 2021 |access-date=August 5, 2021}} Brantly went 1–5 in 2 appearances for the Yankees before being returned to Triple-A Scranton and removed from the 40-man roster on August 17. On October 5, Brantly was selected to the active roster prior to the 2021 American League Wild Card Game.{{cite web | url=https://www.northjersey.com/story/sports/mlb/yankees/2021/10/05/yankees-al-wild-card-roster-vs-red-sox/6005207001/ | title=Yankees wild card roster vs. Red Sox: Complete analysis and final additions }}

On November 5, 2021, Brantly was outrighted off of the 40-man roster{{cite web | url=https://www.cbssports.com/fantasy/baseball/news/yankees-rob-brantly-outrighted-to-triple-a/ | title=Yankees' Rob Brantly: Outrighted to Triple-A | date=November 5, 2021 }} and elected free agency.{{cite web | url=https://www.cbssports.com/fantasy/baseball/news/rob-brantly-elects-free-agency/ | title=Rob Brantly: Elects free agency | date=November 5, 2021 }} On December 10, Brantly re-signed with the Yankees on a new minor league contract.{{cite web | url=https://www.cbssports.com/fantasy/baseball/news/yankees-rob-brantly-back-with-yankees-on-minors-deal/ | title=Yankees' Rob Brantly: Back with Yankees on minors deal | date=December 10, 2021 }} The Yankees promoted Brantly to the major leagues on May 22, 2022, when Higashioka went on the COVID-19 injured list.{{cite web | url=https://theathletic.com/news/yankees-joey-gallo-kyle-higashioka-covid/ieth3btxHiEE/ | title=Yankees place Donaldson, Gallo on COVID-19 IL | last1=Adler | first1=Lindsey | website=The Athletic }} He was designated for assignment on May 25. The next day, he cleared waivers and was sent outright to Triple-A Scranton/Wilkes Barre. Brantly rejected the assignment and elected free agency, but re-signed with the Yankees on a minor league contract on May 29.{{Cite web|title=Yankees' Rob Brantly: Re-ups on minor-league deal|url=https://www.cbssports.com/fantasy/baseball/news/yankees-rob-brantly-re-ups-on-minor-league-deal/amp/|access-date=February 8, 2023|website=cbssports.com|language=en}} Brantly played in 59 games for Scranton, slashing .269/.333/.352 with 1 home run and 22 RBI. He elected free agency following the season on November 10.{{Cite web|title=2022-23 Minor League Free Agents For All 30 MLB Teams|url=https://www.baseballamerica.com/stories/2022-23-minor-league-free-agents-for-all-30-mlb-teams/?amphtml|access-date=July 14, 2023|website=baseballamerica.com|date=November 13, 2022 |language=en}}

=Toronto Blue Jays=

On January 6, 2023, Brantly signed a minor league contract with the Toronto Blue Jays organization.{{Cite web|title=Blue Jays' Rob Brantly: Gets minors deal from Jays|url=https://www.cbssports.com/fantasy/baseball/news/blue-jays-rob-brantly-gets-minor-deal-from-jays/amp/|access-date=January 6, 2023|website=cbssports.com|language=en}} In 46 games for the Triple–A Buffalo Bisons, he hit .271/.390/.361 with 1 home run and 16 RBI. On July 13, Brantly was released by Toronto.{{Cite web|url=https://www.milb.com/transactions/2023-07-13/p-1|title=Transactions|website=Minor League Baseball}}

=Tampa Bay Rays=

On January 7, 2024, Brantly signed a minor league contract with the Tampa Bay Rays.{{Cite web|url=https://www.mlbtraderumors.com/2024/01/rays-sign-rob-brantly-to-minor-league-deal.html|title=Rays Sign Rob Brantly To Minor League Deal|date=January 8, 2024|website=MLB Trade Rumors}} In 45 games for the Triple–A Durham Bulls, he slashed .262/.323/.418 with five home runs and 17 RBI. On August 19, the Rays selected Brantly's contract, adding him to their active roster.{{Cite web|title=Rays Select Rob Brantly|url=https://www.mlbtraderumors.com/2024/08/rays-select-rob-brantly.html|access-date=August 20, 2024|website=mlbtraderumors.com|date=August 19, 2024 |language=en}} In three games for Tampa Bay, he went 1–for–9 (.111). Brantly was designated for assignment by the Rays on August 24.{{Cite web|title=Rays Designate Rob Brantly For Assignment|url=https://www.mlbtraderumors.com/2024/08/rays-designate-rob-brantly-for-assignment.html|access-date=August 24, 2024|website=mlbtraderumors.com|language=en}} He cleared waivers and was sent outright to Durham on August 26.{{Cite web|title=Rays' Rob Brantly: Clears waivers|url=https://www.cbssports.com/fantasy/baseball/news/rays-rob-brantly-clears-waivers/amp/|access-date=September 1, 2024|website=cbssports.com|language=en}} Brantly elected free agency on October 4.{{cite web | url=https://www.milb.com/transactions/2024-10-04 | title=Transactions }}

=Miami Marlins (second stint)=

On February 4, 2025, Brantly signed a minor league contract with the Miami Marlins.{{Cite web|title=Marlins, Rob Brantly Agree To Minor League Contract|url=https://www.mlbtraderumors.com/2025/02/marlins-rob-brantly-agree-to-minor-league-contract.html|access-date=February 4, 2025|website=mlbtraderumors.com|date=February 4, 2025 |language=en}} On April 11, the Marlins selected Brantly's contract, adding him to their active roster.{{Cite web|title=Marlins Designate Xzavion Curry For Assignment, Select Rob Brantly|url=https://www.mlbtraderumors.com/2025/04/marlins-designate-xzavion-curry-for-assignment-select-rob-brantly.html|access-date=April 11, 2025|website=mlbtraderumors.com|language=en}} On April 21, after three games for the team, he was placed on the injured list due to a right lat strain.{{Cite web|title=Marlins C Rob Brantly on 10-day injured list with lat strain|url=https://www.espn.com/mlb/story/_/id/44785022/marlins-c-rob-brantly-10-day-injured-list-lat-strain|access-date=May 24, 2025|website=espn.com|language=en}} Brantly was transferred to the 60-day injured list on May 24.{{Cite web|title=Marlins Select Janson Junk|url=https://www.mlbtraderumors.com/2025/05/marlins-select-janson-junk.html|access-date=May 24, 2025|website=mlbtraderumors.com|language=en}}