A batch of Giants minor leaguers has reached free agency, and Darren Baker is among the names on the list.
Per the team’s transaction log, Baker and several other players from the organization’s minor league ranks elected free agency this week. In baseball terms, that simply means their contracts have expired.
For players drafted in 2020 who have not yet reached the majors, this is the point when they become eligible to test the open market. Veteran minor league deals usually run on a non-guaranteed basis and often end with the calendar year unless something is stated otherwise.
Baker arrived on a minor league contract late in the season and spent the final month working in Sacramento, where his father, Dusty Baker, also has been around the organization as a special advisor to baseball operations. The elder Baker’s title can be fluid, but his work has often centered on the River Cats. Darren got the chance to share the same field with him down the stretch.
At the plate, Baker posted a .504 OPS with five steals in five attempts over 53 plate appearances. His game is built around contact and speed, and it would not be a surprise if the Giants brought him back on another minor league deal. For now, though, he is on the market.
He was not alone. Onil Perez, Esmerlin Vinicio, Manuel Mercedes, Aeverson Arteaga, Wilkin Ramos, Eddys Leonard, Cristian Alvarado, R.J. Dabovich, Marlon Franco, Jose Ramos, and Alex Carrillo also elected free agency.
Dabovich stands out on that list. The right-hander was taken in the fourth round of the pandemic-shortened 2020 draft and, when healthy, showed promise before injuries slowed him down. In 2026, he put up a 2.45 ERA in 15 appearances across affiliates.
Vinicio and Arteaga were both part of the Giants’ 2019-2020 international signing class, with Arteaga receiving a $1 million bonus from Venezuela and Vinicio landing $750,000. Even with the bonus gap, Vinicio was considered the club’s top signing from that group.
Arteaga had shown power and versatility early in his pro career, but he needed time to get back on track after undergoing Thoracic Outlet Syndrome surgery following the 2023 season.
One notable name was missing from the list: Adrián Sugastey. He was eligible for free agency but was not included among the players who elected it, which could suggest he has already re-signed with the club. That part, though, remains speculation.
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