Milwaukee Brewers: Q&A With Kyle Wren

Kyle Wren is a testament to the outfield depth in the Milwaukee Brewers organization.

The 26 year old spent all of 2017 in Triple A, hitting .286. In five years developing and advancing through the minors, Wren boasts a cumulative batting average of .295. It has been a long road to get where he is now.

Originally taken by the Cincinnati Reds in the 30th round in 2012, Wren made the decision to go back to Georgia Tech for another year. Then, in 2013, the Atlanta Braves selected him in the eighth round. Then , in 2014 is when his journey with the Milwaukee Brewers began.

Wren took the time to answer a few questions for Reviewing the Brew.

Q: You are coming off a string of great seasons. There seemed to be very little adjustment time from college to the pros. Was that an easy transition for you?

Kyle Wren: “I wouldn’t say it was easy many of those seasons were filled with stretches where I didn’t feel great in the box and had to make adjustments to get going again. I think more than anything I was just well prepared for the mental aspect of the game and that, in turn, helped navigate through the tough stretches during those seasons.”

Q: With all the rumors surrounding outfielders in the organization, it could open up a golden chance for you to make your MLB debut. Is that something you are thinking about while preparing for the 2018 season?

Kyle Wren: “I think anyone in my position would be lying if they said they never thought about it. In saying that, at this point in the offseason I’m just doing my best to get into playing shape and get ready for camp. All of that is out of my control, so there is no point in dwelling on it.”

Q:When you were drafted to the Braves in 2013, that was actually the second time you name was called. The Reds took you in the 30th round the year before. Was that a tough decision to decide to return back to Georgia Tech for one more year?

Kyle Wren: “It wasn’t a tough decision at all. I had a down year that season, and so I decided I could improve my draft stock the next year. That summer I stayed home instead of playing in the Cape, and gained 20 pounds of muscle. Looking back on it now, that was huge for me developmentally, because before gaining that weight, I don’t think I would have been strong enough to get through an entire pro season.”

Q: From school to the Braves organization, you were on track to potentially play in the same city where went to college. When you got traded back in 2014 to Milwaukee, did it come as a shock?

Kyle Wren: “It didn’t come as a shock at all. As most know, my dad had just been fired as the GM of the Braves, and so being traded was really the only next logical outcome. I’m thankful that the Brewers saw something in me and initiated talks with the Braves to acquire me.”

Q: As a lefty, your options for positions are limited. Is there another position you wish you could be playing? Or would you still want to be in the outfield if you were a righty?

Kyle Wren: “With versatility being so valuable in the game currently, it would be great for my career if I could play in the infield as well. That being said,  I love playing the outfield and do everything I can do to be an asset defensively.”

Q: Is there someone growing up that you tried to model your game after?

Kyle Wren: “I really liked guys like Ken Griffey Jr. and Kenny Lofton. Pretty much any fast guy in the outfield was someone I liked to watch. If they were left handed that made it even better.”

Q: One more question for you, Kyle. What is the best of advice you’ve gotten, that has helped you out the most, to this point in your career?

Kyle Wren: “As I got into pro ball, my dad told me that it was always about your next at bat, or next play in the field. Basically, whether you were great or terrible in your last at bat, your focus should always be on the next one, making sure not to dwell on the last. That way you can stay even-keeled throughout the whole season and can ride both highs and lows in relative peace.”

Next: Q&A With Corbin Burnes

Wren’s situation will be one to keep an eye on as Opening Day approaches. His numbers show that he is ready for his chance with the Milwaukee Brewers. Thank you again to Kyle Wren for talking to us!