Bresnahan attended few showcase events, so he was relatively unheralded when the Guardians drafted him in the 13th round out of a Washington high school in 2023 and signed him away from an Oregon commitment for $375,000, the equivalent of fifth-round money. After pitching briefly last summer, he led the Rookie-level Arizona Complex League with 63 strikeouts in 46 innings this year. The Giants acquired him in July along with a player to be named in exchange for Alex Cobb.
Bresnahan's fastball has added about 2 mph since he turned pro, now sitting at 91-93 mph and touching 95, and he should gain more velocity as he fills out his 6-foot-4, 195-pound frame. His heater dominated ACL hitters because it has quality ride and chase characteristics. Both of his low-80s secondary pitches show promise, a tight slider and a changeup with significant fade.
Using his size and athleticism, Bresnahan creates extension that allows his pitchers to get on hitters more quickly than they expect. He repeats his delivery and provides regular strikes, giving him the look of a three-pitch lefty starter. He's a potential No. 4 starter with more upside to come if his fastball gains more steam and he refines his slider and changeup.
