Brebbia played college baseball for Elon University. The New York Yankees selected Brebbia in the 30th round of the 2011 MLB draft. He made his MLB debut for the Cardinals in 2017,and pitched for them through 2019. He had Tommy John surgery in 2020. He played for the Giants from 2021 to 2023.
On January 7, 2014, Brebbia signed with the Sioux Falls Canaries of the American Association of Independent Professional Baseball.[12] In 34 games with the Canaries, he pitched to a 3–2 record with one save and a 3.31 ERA, while striking out 10.5 batters/9 IP (5th-best in the league).[9] Brebbia later said he rediscovered his love for the sport while pitching in the independent leagues. He also began growing his beard in 2014.[11]
Laredo Lemurs
On December 22, 2014, Brebbia was traded to the Laredo Lemurs alongside AJ Kirby-Jones and Joe Testa for Byron Minnich, Harrison Kain, Jeremy Strawn, Josh Strawn, Tyler Pearson, Gerardo Avila, and cash.[12] In 2015 with Laredo, Brebbia had a 7–2 record with a 0.98 ERA (second-best in the league), in 51 games (third-most), with 19 saves (third-best), an 0.762 WHIP (second-lowest), 4.8 hits per 9 innings (second-best), and 11.1 strikeouts per 9 innings (fourth-best).[9][13]
Brebbia began the 2017 season with Memphis. There he was 1–1 with three saves, a 1.69 ERA and 29 strikeouts in 26+2⁄3 innings pitched [16] when the Cardinals promoted him to the major league on May 27, 2017.[17] He made his major league debut against the Colorado Rockies on May 28 and remained with the Cardinals for the rest of the season. He finished his 2017 rookie campaign with a 2.44 ERA, 11 walks and 51 strikeouts in 51+2⁄3 innings, and a 0.929 WHIP, leading all Major League rookie relievers in ERA and WHIP.[4]
He began 2018 with Memphis but was recalled to St. Louis and optioned back to Memphis multiple times during the season. For Memphis, he was 2–0 with two saves, a 4.61 ERA and 24 strikeouts in 13+2⁄3 innings.[9] In 45 relief appearances for St. Louis, he was 3–3 with two saves and a 3.20 ERA, striking out 60 batters in 50+2⁄3 innings pitched.[18] On October 29, 2018, Brebbia was selected to the MLB All-Star team at the 2018 MLB Japan All-Star Series, pitching in three games in the series.[19][4]
Brebbia returned to St. Louis' bullpen for in 2019. Over 66 appearances during the regular season he went 3–4 with a 3.59 ERA, striking out 87 batters over 72+2⁄3 relief innings.[20]
After first trying platelet-rich injection (PRP) treatment for a torn ulnar collateral ligament in his right elbow Brebbia underwent Tommy John surgery on June 1, 2020, causing him to miss the 2020 season.[21][4] On December 2, Brebbia was non-tendered by the Cardinals.[22] In his three seasons with the Cardinals, Brebbia had a 3.14 ERA, and 10.2 K/9.[23]
San Francisco Giants
On December 21, 2020, Brebbia signed a one-year, $800,000 contract with the San Francisco Giants.[24][25] On February 17, 2021, Brebbia was placed on the 60-day injured list as he continued to recover from Tommy John surgery.[26] He was activated off of the injured list on June 20, recovering from Tommy John surgery faster than the normal 13–15 month recovery timeframe.[27][28]
In the 2021 regular season for the Giants, Brebbia was 0–1 with a 5.89 ERA. He pitched 18.1 innings over 18 games. For the Triple-A Sacramento River Cats, he was 3–0 with a 2.93 ERA in 17 games (two starts) in which he pitched 15.1 innings.[29] On November 30, Brebbia signed a $838,000 contract with the Giants, avoiding salary arbitration.[30]
In 2022 with the Giants, Brebbia was 6–2 with a 3.18 ERA in 68 innings, as he pitched in a league-leading 76 games (11 starts).[31]
On January 13, 2023, Brebbia agreed to a one-year, $2.3 million contract with the Giants, avoiding salary arbitration.[32][33] He pitched in 29 games for San Francisco, posting a 3.14 ERA with 36 strikeouts, before he was placed on the injured list with a Grade 2 lat strain on June 17.[34][11] On July 31, he was transferred to the 60-day injured list.[35] Brebbia was activated from the injured list on September 5.[36]
Chicago White Sox
On January 26, 2024, Brebbia signed a one-year, $5.5 million contract with the Chicago White Sox.[37][38] In 54 appearances for Chicago, he struggled to an 0–6 record and 6.29 ERA with 58 strikeouts over 48+2⁄3 innings pitched. Brebbia was designated for assignment by the White Sox on August 27.[39][40] He was released two days later.[41]
Atlanta Braves
On August 31, 2024, Brebbia signed a minor league contract with the Atlanta Braves.[42] The next day, he was subsequently selected to the team's major league roster.[43] In 5 games for Atlanta, Brebbia posted a 2.70 ERA with 9 strikeouts across 6+2⁄3 innings pitched.
Detroit Tigers
On February 12, 2025, Brebbia signed a one-year, $2.75 million contract with the Detroit Tigers.[44][45] He started the season with a 1.00 ERA in 8 appearances before being placed on the injured list on April 19 with a right forearm strain.[46][47] In 19 appearances for Detroit, he struggled to a 7.71 ERA with 20 strikeouts across 18+2⁄3 innings pitched. On June 15, Brebbia was designated for assignment by the Tigers.[48][49] After clearing waivers on June 19, Brebbia was released by Detroit.[50][51]
Atlanta Braves (second stint)
On June 24, 2025, Brebbia signed a minor league contract with the Atlanta Braves.[52] In 15 appearances for the Triple-A Gwinnett Stripers, he totaled a 1.89 ERA and 21 strikeouts across 19 innings pitched. On August 29, the Braves selected Brebbia's contract, adding him to their active roster.[53] In three appearances for Atlanta, he accumulated a 7.71 ERA with six strikeouts across 4+2⁄3 innings pitched. On September 8, Brebbia was designated for assignment by the Braves.[54] He elected free agency after clearing waivers on September 10.[55]
Boston Red Sox
On September 13, 2025, Brebbia signed a minor league contract with the Boston Red Sox.[56]
Brebbia shaves prior to each baseball season, then grows his beard during the season.[11][59] He shaved off his beard in stages during the 2018 MLB Japan All-Star Series.[60]
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