Underrated Players Series:

Outfielder Michael Brantley

By: Michael A. Chase Jr.

7/20/2020

       The next player that will be focused on for this underrated spotlight series is Outfielder Michael Brantley. Brantley currently plays for the Houston Astros and is the son of former MLB player Mickey Brantley. Though despite him being a key cog in Houston’s run to another World Series appearance in 2019. As well as, a highly productive player for some particularly good Cleveland Indians teams in the mid-2010’s. Brantley is still constantly underappreciated for how top tier of a player he is. This piece will delve into Brantley’s career statistics and best seasons as a player. While touching on some of his accolades and clubhouse role that makes him an asset.

            His career numbers display that he has always been a solid to all-star caliber player. Brantley originally drafted in the 7th round by the Milwaukee Brewers in 2005 owns an impressive .297 career batting average. This combined with his .354 career on-base percentage, .439 slugging percentage, and a .792 on-base plus slugging shows Brantley has been a consistent offensive force. Defensively Brantley has a career .993 fielding percentage as a primarily left fielder. Showing he is a reliable outfielder, as well as, hitter. Brantley to put it best is a disciplined and advanced hitter. Plus, a versatile offensive piece that can succeed out of a variety of spots in a lineup. While being a solid Outfielder, who makes few mistakes in the field.

To display Brantley at his peak we need to look at two specific seasons of his 11-year career thus far. These being his 2014 season with the Cleveland Indians and his most recent 2019 season with the Houston Astros. With Cleveland in 2014 this was the year Brantley finally made his first All-Star team. Brantley hit a career best .327, with 45 doubles, 20 homers and 97 rbi’s. He also added 23 stolen bases, along with 52 walks to just 56 strikeouts. Truly the best season as a big leaguer Brantley has put forth. He showed just how great an all-around player he was becoming in Cleveland at this point. His fielding percentage of .996 also showcased his ability as an exceptionally reliable everyday outfielder as well. All this punctuated by a Silver Slugger and several MVP votes that season thanks to his performance.

The other notable season to discuss in his most recent 2019 season with Houston. A season where he quietly produced elite numbers. As he had a slash line of .311/.372/.875 with a career best 22 homers and 90 rbi’s to go along with 40 doubles. While unlike in his 2014 season where he had 23 stolen bases. Brantley had just 3 steals this season but proved to be strong in other offensive categories to make up for it. Brantley also continued showcasing great plate discipline, striking out only 66 times in 575 at-bats. In the postseason Brantley put up a solid showing hitting .286 with a homer and 4 rbi’s. His ability to get on base as shown by his .367 on base percentage showcased his value near the top of Houston’s order. This season is where Brantley heavily contributed to a World Series runner up. After appearing in the postseason just 3 times in his previous 10 seasons and rarely being healthy enough to play. Brantley proved this season to be a tremendous free agent signing for Houston, as a true steal of the offseason.

Michael Brantley has gotten many recent accolades including winning comeback player of the year in 2018. While making 3 other All-Star teams in 2017, 2018, and 2019. Showing the league and fans finally recognizing his strong play on the field in recent years. His reputation as a quiet, confident leader in the club house is key as well. Having been admired and referenced by many of his former and current teammates. “Epitomizing a winning player”, is the best characterization to use for Brantley. Meaning Brantley presents the full package when it comes to what any team would want in a star player. Michael Brantley is a player Cleveland was lucky to have and Houston is now enjoying. A player who it has taken more than half his career to reach this point. But he is finally gaining far more notoriety nationally, which he has so adamantly deserved for a while.