The San Francisco Giants have bolstered their pitching depth by signing former Tampa Bay Rays prospect Antonio Jimenez to a minor league contract, according to the team’s transaction log. While details haven’t been confirmed, the agreement likely includes an invite to spring training, as Jimenez participated in the Rays’ camp last spring.
Strengthening Left-Handed Depth
This signing marks the Giants’ continued focus on adding left-handed pitchers through minor league free agency. Jimenez joins fellow lefties Ethan Small and Raymond Burgos, who were also signed to minor league deals this offseason. Unlike Small and Burgos, who spent the 2024 season with the Giants, Jimenez is a new addition, having spent his entire professional career with the Rays since signing as an international free agent out of the Dominican Republic.
Need for Left-Handed Relievers
The Giants currently have limited left-handed options in their bullpen, with Erik Miller and Taylor Rogers being the only southpaw relievers on the 40-man roster. Manager Bob Melvin relied heavily on Miller in key situations during the 2024 season, while Rogers was used in less critical roles. With this shortage, the Giants may still pursue a left-handed reliever in major league free agency, with Scott Alexander and Tim Hill as potential targets.
Jimenez’s Profile
Jimenez transitioned from a starter to a bullpen role in recent years, compiling a 3.42 ERA, 1.28 WHIP, and 9.9 K/9 over six minor league seasons. In 2024, he posted a 3.79 ERA with 58 strikeouts and 22 walks across 61.2 innings between Double-A and Triple-A. While his Dominican Winter League performance this offseason has been mixed, such results are not always predictive of regular-season outcomes.
The 23-year-old lefty features a low-to-mid-90s fastball, a slider with two-plane movement, and a well-tunneled changeup. His fastball’s quick action and deceptive secondary pitches make him an intriguing depth option for the Giants.
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