In a move that could add some intriguing depth to their bullpen, the San Francisco Giants are signing right-hander Brent Honeywell Jr. to a minor league contract, with an invite to big league spring training. This signing is a low-risk gamble for the Giants, who are looking to bolster their relief options.
Honeywell, soon to be 31, is an interesting case. After being non-tendered by the Dodgers post-2024 and sitting out the entire 2025 season, his current form is a bit of a mystery. However, the Giants see potential value in giving him a chance to prove himself during spring training.
Once a top 100 prospect, Honeywell's career has been derailed by a series of unfortunate injuries. From Tommy John surgery in 2018 to an elbow fracture and nerve decompression surgery in the following years, he’s faced a challenging road. By the end of 2022, he had only made three major league appearances.
In 2023, Honeywell showed some durability, pitching 52 1/3 innings for the Padres and White Sox, posting a 4.82 ERA. Though not stellar, it was a step forward.
After a stint with the Pirates in 2024, he moved to the Dodgers, where he ended the season with a 2.63 ERA, albeit with some luck on his side. His strikeout rate was notably low, and advanced metrics suggested his performance might not have been as strong as it appeared.
Despite a postseason appearance with the Dodgers, Honeywell found himself without a contract for 2025. Now, with the Giants, he has a fresh opportunity.
The team's bullpen is in need of reinforcement, especially after trading key players and dealing with injuries. They've opted for a strategy of taking chances on players looking to bounce back, including Jason Foley, Rowan Wick, and Sam Hentges, although injuries have sidelined them for now.
Honeywell enters this mix as a non-roster invitee. If he can secure a roster spot, he offers potential value with less than three years of club control, meaning he could be a longer-term asset if he performs well. For now, it’s all about making the most of the opportunity in spring training.