Biography
Robert Jacob Brantly (born July 14, 1989) is an American professional baseball catcher in the San Francisco Giants organization. The Detroit Tigers drafted Brantly in the third round of the 2010 Major League Baseball Draft. He made his MLB debut in 2012. He has played in MLB for the Philadelphia Phillies, Miami Marlins, and Chicago White Sox. 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. 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. 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. He made his professional debut with the West Michigan Whitecaps of the Class A Midwest League that season, recording a .251 batting average in 52 games played.He returned to West Michigan to start the 2011 season. Named to the Midwest League All-Star Game, he was promoted to the Lakeland Flying Tigers of the Class A-Advanced Florida State League in July.Brantly played for the Erie SeaWolves of the Class AA Eastern League and the Toledo Mud Hens of the Class AAA International League to start the 2012 season. He was named to appear in the All-Star Futures Game.
Miami Marlins
On July 23, 2012, Brantly, Jacob Turner, and Brian Flynn were traded to the Miami Marlins for Aníbal Sánchez and Omar Infante. After he played for the New Orleans Zephyrs of the Class AAA Pacific Coast League, the Marlins promoted Brantly to the major leagues on August 13. He made his Major League debut on August 14 against the Philadelphia Phillies. He finished the season batting .290/.372/.460 over 100 at bats in 31 games.He 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 RBIs in a career-high 223 at bats while also dealing with injuries. He spent the entire 2014 season at the AAA level in New Orleans.
Chicago White Sox
On December 8, 2014, the Chicago White Sox claimed Brantly from the Marlins off of waivers. In 2015 he batted .121/.167/.242 with 1 home run and 6 RBIs in 33 at bats.
Seattle Mariners
The Seattle Mariners claimed Brantly off waivers from the White Sox on March 12, 2016. On April 3, Brantly was designated for assignment after losing the backup catcher competition to Steve Clevenger.
Cincinnati Reds
On December 3, 2016, Brantley was signed by the Cincinnati Reds to a minor league contract. He was released on June 29, 2017.
Second Stint with White Sox
The Chicago White Sox signed him to a minor league deal on the same day; June 29, 2017. In 2017 with the White Sox he batted .290/.389/.516 with 2 home runs and 5 RBIs in 31 at bats. On October 9, Brantly elected free agency.
Atlanta Braves
He signed with the Atlanta Braves on December 22, 2017. He was released on July 15, 2018.
Cleveland Indians
On July 21, 2018, Brantly signed a minor league contract with the Cleveland Indians. He elected free agency on November 3.
Philadelphia Phillies
On December 18, 2018, Brantly signed a minor league contract with the Philadelphia Phillies. He had his contract purchased but was designated for assignment on July 16. In 2019 for the Lehigh Valley IronPigs he batted .314/.404/.462 with 6 home runs and 28 RBIs in 236 at bats. He had one hitless at bat with the Phillies. He elected free agency on October 1.
San Francisco Giants
On January 18, 2020, Brantly signed a minor league contract with the San Francisco Giants.