Brandt was drafted by the Tampa Bay Rays in the 18th round of the 2012 MLB June Amateur Draft from East Carolina University in Greenville, NC.  He played three seasons in the Rays organization making up to their Double-A affiliate in Montgomery, Alabama.  Throughout his time in the Rays system, Brandt posted a 13-7 record with a 2.26 ERA in 68 games on the mound.  While he was at East Carolina University, Brandt was named 2012 Preseason First-Team All-Conference USA by league coaches and by College Sports Madness.  In 2011 he earned Second-Team All-Conference USA honors from College Baseball Daily after going 7-3 with a 2.26 ERA.