Brandon Kintzler's journey through Major League Baseball is a testament to perseverance and adaptability. Born on August 1, 1984, in Las Vegas, Nevada, Kintzler's path to the majors was anything but conventional. After attending Dixie State College, he was drafted by the San Diego Padres in the 40th round of the 2004 MLB Draft. However, his early career was marked by challenges, including injuries and stints in independent leagues, which tested his resolve.
Kintzler's major league debut came with the Milwaukee Brewers in 2010. Initially, he was used sparingly, but he gradually earned more opportunities to showcase his skills. His time with the Brewers was characterized by steady improvement, as he transitioned from a middle reliever to a more reliable option in the bullpen. By 2013, Kintzler had established himself as a dependable reliever, posting a 2.69 ERA over 71 appearances that season.
In 2015, Kintzler signed a minor league contract with the Minnesota Twins, where he would eventually find a more prominent role. By 2016, he had become the Twins' closer, recording 17 saves with a 3.15 ERA. His performance earned him a spot on the American League All-Star team in 2017, a highlight in his career. That same year, he was traded to the Washington Nationals, where he continued to be a reliable bullpen arm.
Kintzler's tenure with the Nationals was followed by a stint with the Chicago Cubs, beginning in 2018. During his time with the Cubs, he maintained his reputation as a steady reliever, contributing to the team's bullpen depth. In 2020, Kintzler signed with the Miami Marlins, where he served as the team's closer. He recorded 12 saves in the pandemic-shortened season, helping the Marlins reach the playoffs for the first time since 2003.
In 2021, Kintzler joined the Philadelphia Phillies, continuing to provide veteran leadership and experience to the bullpen. Throughout his career, Kintzler was known for his sinkerball, which induced ground balls and helped him navigate through challenging situations on the mound. His ability to adapt and find roles with different teams underscored his value as a reliable reliever in the major leagues.
⚾