Brock Carpenter was selected by the Dodgers in the 20th round of the 2016 First-Year Player Draft out of Seattle University. He was the only player picked by the Dodgers in that draft that was designated as a third baseman.

Carpenter is a native of the Tacoma, Washington area and attended high school at Fife High School. Fife is a small city of about 9,000 people and is a suburb of Tacoma.

He had initially been selected by the San Diego Padres in the 39th round of the 2013 Amateur Draft but he chose not to sign at that time. It may just have been coincidental – but most likely not – that Billy Gasparino was in charge of the Padres draft in 2013 and 2014. He is presently the Dodgers Director of Amateur Scouting, and held that position when Carpenter was drafted by the Dodgers in 2016.

Following his graduation from high school, Carpenter played three years with the Seattle University Redhawks.

Heading into his junior year, Seattle University head coach, Donny Harrel, acknowledged Carpenter’s value to the team.

“Brock has been a great role model for our younger players. He goes about his business on and off the field each day and really shines in our community service projects. He is a big part of the growth our program has made since showing up here 3 years ago, and will be a cornerstone for our success this season.”

Coach Harrel pretty much hit it right on the nose. In his junior year with the Redhawks Carpenter posted a triple slash of .327/.444/.532 with 15 doubles while leading the team with seven home runs, 47 runs batted in and 41 walks in 58 games. During conference play he hit an even .400 along with a .561 OBP.

The 6’3”/200-pound right-handed hitter also garnered more than a little attention in the 2015 Northwoods League season. Playing with the Wisconsin Rapids Rafters of the Southern Division, he was rewarded with an All-Star selection. Rafters field manager, Craig Noto, was not surprised with the selection.

“Brock has really impressed here this summer and this all-star selection shows it,” said Rafters Field Manager Craig Noto. “He’s a plus defender who has been a big contributor offensively with some clutch hits for us.”

Brock Carpenter
(Photo credit – Matt Herp)

The 21-year-old Carpenter was joined on the Southern Division All-Star team by four current Dodger minor league players: pitchers Garrett Harrison, Alex Hermeling and Tony Gonsolin as well as outfielder Luke Raley. Dodgers minor league infielder, Zach McKinstry, represented the Northern Division in the 2015 Northwoods league All-Star game.

Carpenter made his professional debut with the Ogden Raptors of the rookie level Pioneer League on June 20, 2016. On the season in 55 games, he hit .241 with an OBP of .366 and 33 runs batted in.

During the second half of the season, Carpenter hit .282 with an OBP of .396. In his last 11 games, he hit safely in eight of those games including three multiple hit games.

Although Carpenter is currently not listed on the Dodgers Low Single-A Great Lakes Loons Opening Day roster, he very well may soon find himself at the hot corner there.