Joey Wentz

Joseph Barrett Wentz Bio

Joseph Barrett Wentz is an American professional baseball pitcher for the Atlanta Braves of Major League Baseball (MLB). He has previously played in MLB for the Detroit Tigers, Pittsburgh Pirates, and Minnesota Twins. The Braves selected Wentz with the 40th overall pick in the 2016 MLB draft and traded him to the Tigers in 2019, with whom he made his MLB debut in 2022. Wentz has shown promise throughout his career, demonstrating his potential as a valuable player in the league.

Early Life and Background

Joseph Barrett Wentz was born on October 6, 1997, in Prairie Village, Kansas, to parents Dave and Jenny Wentz. He attended Shawnee Mission East High School, where he began to cultivate his skills as a baseball player. Wentz was recognized for his talent early on, being named the Sunflower League Player of the Year in both 2015 and 2016, during his junior and senior years. In 2015, he also won the Junior Home Run Derby at the Major League Baseball All-Star Game, hitting a remarkable home run that traveled 543 feet.

Path to Baseball

Wentz’s journey to professional baseball began in high school, where he excelled as a pitcher. His impressive performance caught the attention of scouts, leading to his selection by the Atlanta Braves in the 2016 MLB draft. Instead of pursuing a college education at the University of Virginia, Wentz chose to sign with the Braves for a substantial bonus of $3.05 million. He started his professional career with the Gulf Coast Braves in the Rookie-level Gulf Coast League, where he quickly made a name for himself.

Joseph Barrett Wentz Career

Early Career (2016-2019)

Wentz began his career in the Gulf Coast League, where he finished the 2016 season with a 1–4 win-loss record and a 3.68 earned run average (ERA). He continued to develop his skills in the minor leagues, spending the 2017 season with the Rome Braves and posting an impressive 8–3 record with a 2.60 ERA in 26 starts. In 2018, he played for the Florida Fire Frogs, where he recorded a 3–4 record with a 2.28 ERA in 16 starts. His consistent performance in the minors set the stage for his eventual call-up to the major leagues.

Breakthrough (2022)

Wentz made his MLB debut on May 11, 2022, starting a game against the Oakland Athletics. His debut was a significant milestone in his career, marking the culmination of years of hard work and dedication. In his third start for the Tigers, he achieved his first major league win against the Kansas City Royals, allowing no runs in 6+2⁄3 innings while striking out five batters. This performance showcased his potential as a reliable pitcher in the league.

Notable Works and Milestones

Throughout his career, Wentz has demonstrated his capabilities on the mound, achieving notable statistics such as a win-loss record of 11–24 and an earned run average of 5.57, with 290 strikeouts as of the end of the 2025 season. His journey through various teams has highlighted his resilience and adaptability in the competitive world of Major League Baseball.

Joseph Barrett Wentz Award Nominations

Throughout his career, Joseph Barrett Wentz has been recognized for his contributions to the sport, although specific award nominations have not been detailed in the available information.

Joseph Barrett Wentz Awards Won

Similarly, while Joseph Barrett Wentz has achieved notable milestones in his career, specific awards won have not been documented in the provided data.

Joseph Barrett Wentz Family

Joseph Wentz was born to Dave and Jenny Wentz, who have supported his baseball career from a young age. Details regarding his family life beyond his parents are not available.