Kansas City Royals: Prospect Q&A with outfielder Brewer Hicklen

The opportunity is there for the taking at the big league level.

Q: In Game 3 of the Mills Cup semis, you dropped down a walk-off bunt. Was that planned or did you just decide to do that in the moment?

A: My manager put the sign on. It was something I actually thought about walking to the plate, but my bunting confidence was way down from the whole second half I talked myself out of it.

Then I get in the box, Thor gave me the bunt sign… I guess it was meant to be. I had practiced that play hundreds of times in college, so I knew I was prepared for it. Sure enough, I didn’t pop that one up to the pitcher, thankfully! I knew that moment was going to flip our whole post-season around. 

Q: There appears to be some opportunity on the big league roster for another outfielder in the next year or two. What would it mean to you to finally get the call to the big leagues and what has been your primary source of motivation?

A: You are absolutely right, there is a lot of opportunities for us. I am thankful to be in an organization that values the development of minor leaguers and gives them a chance. To me, that is what made the KC such an attractive place. My biggest motivation has always been my faith and family.

My sole purpose in playing baseball is to show my love for God, my love for people, and the joy I have in life through my interactions on the baseball field. I am so fortunate with the opportunity to play a sport that people follow and are so invested in. I love having the chance to open up, be transparent, and show them what it is like going through what I go through. It isn’t all sunshine and rainbows like everyone thinks it is.

Don’t get me wrong, I love what I do, but at the same time, there is a ton of failure and pressure involved. I think one of my biggest goals is to lead well, love well, and compete my butt off while having the most fun possible! If I get the chance in the next few years, I will have achieved a lifelong dream of getting the chance to play in the MLB.

However, it doesn’t stop there, I still have a lot of dreams left to achieve in my MLB career and hope I can continue to pursue those through my 20’s and 30’s. All in all, I know if I do not make it, that is what God has planned for me, but you better believe I’m going to do my very best to get there!

A special thank you to Brewer (@brewerhicklen) for taking the time to speak with me. We will see you shortly!