Joseph Barrett Wentz entered professional baseball with heavy expectations. Drafted out of Shawnee Mission East High School, the towering left-hander caught the eye of scouts with his projectable frame, repeatable delivery, and a lively arm that generated high-spin rates. While his professional path included major injuries, organizational shifts, and a transition into a relief role, his journey reflects the gritty reality of modern pitching development.
Understanding how a top amateur prospect navigates the minor league grind, undergoes major elbow surgery, and bounces across multiple Major League Baseball organizations provides a clear window into how front offices evaluate upside and resilience.
Amateur Roots and Draft Day Pedigree
Raised in Kansas, Wentz established himself as one of the premier high school arms in the country. Playing at Shawnee Mission East High School, he earned recognition as the Sunflower League Player of the Year during both his junior and senior seasons. Scouts valued his projectable 6-foot-5, 220-pound build, which offered clean mechanics and ample room to add functional strength.
The Atlanta Braves selected Wentz in the first round of the 2016 MLB June Amateur Draft, taking him with the 40th overall pick in the Competitive Balance Round A. Foregoing a commitment to the University of Virginia, Wentz signed for a $3.05 million bonus, instantly cementing his status as a cornerstone piece in Atlanta's minor league system.
Minor League Rise and the Trade to Detroit
Wentz immediately delivered on his organizational promise during his early professional campaigns. In 2017 with the Rome Braves, he posted an 8-3 record and a 2.60 ERA across 26 starts, showcasing advanced command of his three-pitch mix and striking out 152 batters.
His progress continued into 2018 and 2019, drawing interest from clubs seeking controllable young left-handed pitching. On July 31, 2019, the Braves traded Wentz and outfielder Travis Demeritte to the Detroit Tigers in exchange for reliever Shane Greene.
The transition to Detroit brought new developmental challenges, most notably a tear in his ulnar collateral ligament that necessitated Tommy John surgery in March 2020. Because the minor league season was canceled due to the COVID-19 pandemic, Wentz spent the entire year rehabbing, delaying his push toward the major league roster.
Major League Debut and the Tigers Years
After completing his rehabilitation and working through the minor league ranks, Wentz received his first major league call-up on May 11, 2022, starting against the Oakland Athletics. Though his initial outings exposed the steep learning curve of facing big-league hitters, he flashed his potential on September 9, 2022, by tossing 6 2/3 scoreless innings against the Kansas City Royals to earn his first MLB victory.
The subsequent seasons in Detroit tested his resilience. In 2023, serving primarily as a starter, he struggled to a 3-13 record and a 6.90 ERA over 105 2/3 innings. Opponents adjusted to his fastball-heavy approach, and home run issues inflated his numbers. By August 2024, the Tigers designated him for assignment, closing the first chapter of his major league career.
Bouncing Through Waivers and Finding a Spark in Pittsburgh and Atlanta
Out of minor league options, Wentz became a frequent traveler on the waiver wire. The Pittsburgh Pirates claimed him in September 2024, where a shift toward a relief-focused deployment unlocked sharper performance. He posted a 1.50 ERA over 12 late-season innings for Pittsburgh, utilizing his cutter and breaking balls more effectively in short bursts.
After short stints with Pittsburgh and the Minnesota Twins during the 2025 campaign, Wentz landed with the Atlanta Braves via a July waiver claim. Returning to the organization that drafted him, he made an immediate impact out of the bullpen. In his Braves debut, he threw three hitless innings against the St. Louis Cardinals, striking out six—setting a franchise record for the most strikeouts in a relief debut.
Pitching Arsenal and Repertoire Analysis
Wentz relies on a distinct mix designed to exploit his left-handed deception and extension:
- Fastball: Typically sitting in the low-to-mid 90s, his four-seam fastball plays up due to his 6-foot-5 height and high release point, though command consistency dictates its effectiveness.
- Cutter: Developed to neutralize right-handed bats, the cutter serves as a bridge between his fastball and breaking stuff, inducing weak contact on the hands.
- Curveball and Changeup: His secondary offerings provide necessary speed differentials, with the changeup historically serving as a reliable weapon against righties when fading away from the barrel.
Frequently Asked Questions
What team drafted Joey Wentz?
The Atlanta Braves selected Joey Wentz in the first round (40th overall) of the 2016 MLB Draft out of Shawnee Mission East High School.
Has Joey Wentz undergone major surgery?
Yes. Wentz underwent Tommy John surgery in March 2020 while in the Detroit Tigers organization, causing him to miss the entire 2020 minor league season before returning to action in 2021.
What is Joey Wentz's primary pitching role?
Although he spent significant time as a starter in the minor leagues and early in his stint with Detroit, his most effective major league stretches have come as a relief pitcher, utilizing his velocity spikes in multi-inning or high-leverage bullpen roles.
Which MLB teams has Joey Wentz played for?
He has pitched in the major leagues for the Detroit Tigers, Pittsburgh Pirates, Minnesota Twins, and the Atlanta Braves.
