Behind the Biscuits: Brody Hopkins
The son of a former college baseball player and the brother to a former big leaguer, Brody Hopkins was driven to also join the family baseball legacy. Hopkins’ older brother TJ Hopkins played college baseball at the University of South Carolina and then was drafted by the Reds in 2019. Hopkins made his major league debut with the Reds in 2023.
“A blessing and a curse. I’d say a curse just because growing up I was always kind of like compared to him and kind of felt like I was a little belittled at times, but you know now it’s like he’s taught me so much about pro baseball,” says Hopkins.
Hopkins spent two seasons playing college ball at College of Charleston before transferring to play at Winthrop University located in Rock Hill, South Carolina.
In 2023, what was once just a reality for his older brother was now his as well. Brody was drafted by the Seattle Mariners in the 6th round as the 187th overall pick.
“It kind of felt like a far fetched goal in a way. It was like I was pitching at a mid-major and really wasn’t talked about a lot. I would say kind of midway though the year I was like okay I have a chance but I didn’t think it was going to be the second day, I thought it was going to be a third day type of thing. But once it got closer, I was like okay I could get drafted kind of high. Then I ended up going in the 6th round,” explains Hopkins.
The trade involving Hopkins to the Rays was for major league all-star Randy Arozarena (outfielder.)
“It feels kind of good that I panned out to be what they wanted,” says Hopkins.
This year, Hopkins had the chance to represent the Rays Organization at the MLB All-Star Futures game. Hopkins ended up throwing an inning for the American League Team, and he even got to throw in front of one of his childhood heroes, Chipper Jones.
“Growing up my favorite player was Chipper Jones, and he’s the manager for the NL team. So I’m gonna do my best to try and shake his hand, meet him, and take a picture with him. But yeah, it’s just awesome and amazing opportunity,” explains Hopkins.
Hopkins is listed as number six on the Rays Prospect list, and his projected call up date is
2026.
