Jonathan Branch
@thejdbranch.bsky.social
#SFGiants, #49ers, #GoDucks, Dog Dad, SF Giants thoughts & musings
Reposted by Jonathan Branch
The Giants have officially announced the signing of left-hander Sam Hentges to a one-year deal.
December 3, 2025 at 6:03 PM
The Giants have officially announced the signing of left-hander Sam Hentges to a one-year deal.
Reposted by Jonathan Branch
The Giants made the Sam Hentges deal official. He’s coming off shoulder and knee surgeries, but he’s expected to be ready for Spring Training.
December 3, 2025 at 6:03 PM
The Giants made the Sam Hentges deal official. He’s coming off shoulder and knee surgeries, but he’s expected to be ready for Spring Training.
Reposted by Jonathan Branch
The Giants made the one-year deal with lefty reliever Sam Hentges official. In the release, they said the expectation is that he’ll be healthy and ready for spring training. He had shoulder surgery in 2024 and knee surgery in August.
December 3, 2025 at 6:05 PM
The Giants made the one-year deal with lefty reliever Sam Hentges official. In the release, they said the expectation is that he’ll be healthy and ready for spring training. He had shoulder surgery in 2024 and knee surgery in August.
Reposted by Jonathan Branch
One of the interesting things about Hentges’ profile is his extension off the mound. He ranked in the 89th percentile in ‘24, and it results in a nearly 1 MPH difference between actual/perceived velo.
December 3, 2025 at 6:07 PM
One of the interesting things about Hentges’ profile is his extension off the mound. He ranked in the 89th percentile in ‘24, and it results in a nearly 1 MPH difference between actual/perceived velo.
Reposted by Jonathan Branch
Giants announce one-year deal for lefty reliever Sam Hentges. Missed last season with shoulder surgery and knee surgery and expected to be good for training camp. Posted 2.93 ERA in 2022-24 with 155 K’s in 138 innings with Cleveland. He’s 29 and 6-8.
December 3, 2025 at 6:13 PM
Giants announce one-year deal for lefty reliever Sam Hentges. Missed last season with shoulder surgery and knee surgery and expected to be good for training camp. Posted 2.93 ERA in 2022-24 with 155 K’s in 138 innings with Cleveland. He’s 29 and 6-8.
Reposted by Jonathan Branch
Reposted by Jonathan Branch
The Giants reportedly have checked in on the National League home run king 👀
www.nbcsportsbayarea.com/mlb/san-fran...
www.nbcsportsbayarea.com/mlb/san-fran...
Giants reportedly among teams checking in on free agent Kyle Schwarber early in MLB offseason
The San Francisco Giants are reportedly among teams checking in on free agent Kyle Schwarber during the MLB offseason.
www.nbcsportsbayarea.com
December 2, 2025 at 10:09 PM
The Giants reportedly have checked in on the National League home run king 👀
www.nbcsportsbayarea.com/mlb/san-fran...
www.nbcsportsbayarea.com/mlb/san-fran...
Reposted by Jonathan Branch
The San Francisco Giants added to manager Tony Vitello’s staff, hiring Christian Wonders as an assistant pitching coach, industry sources told the Chronicle.
Giants bring Christian Wonders aboard as an assistant pitching coach
The San Francisco Giants added to manager Tony Vitello’s staff, hiring Christian Wonders as an assistant pitching coach, industry sources told the Chronicle.
bit.ly
December 2, 2025 at 1:40 AM
The San Francisco Giants added to manager Tony Vitello’s staff, hiring Christian Wonders as an assistant pitching coach, industry sources told the Chronicle.
Reposted by Jonathan Branch
Reposted by Jonathan Branch
🤖 Susan Slusser
I’m hearing the Giants are hiring Christian Wonders (Padres, Rays) as assistant pitching coach.
I’m hearing the Giants are hiring Christian Wonders (Padres, Rays) as assistant pitching coach.
December 1, 2025 at 10:31 PM
🤖 Susan Slusser
I’m hearing the Giants are hiring Christian Wonders (Padres, Rays) as assistant pitching coach.
I’m hearing the Giants are hiring Christian Wonders (Padres, Rays) as assistant pitching coach.
Reposted by Jonathan Branch
The San Francisco Giants have significant needs that free agency might not answer. With the Winter Meetings around the corner, who should Buster Posey & Co. be pursuing via trades?
Who could Giants target as MLB teams start trading away star players?
The San Francisco Giants have significant needs that free agency might not answer. With the Winter Meetings around the corner, who should Buster Posey & Co. be pursuing via trades?
bit.ly
November 30, 2025 at 5:30 PM
The San Francisco Giants have significant needs that free agency might not answer. With the Winter Meetings around the corner, who should Buster Posey & Co. be pursuing via trades?
Reposted by Jonathan Branch
Wrote about Tyler Rogers, a free agent who isn't just a guy who throws like Marge Simpson, but just keeps on endlessly getting outs -- and in a way you might not expect
--> www.mlb.com/news/tyler-r...
--> www.mlb.com/news/tyler-r...
He has MLB's slowest fastball. He's still a valuable free agent
When you think of the best free-agent relievers this winter, you’re going to think of the obvious fireballers who pile up saves. There are those coming off sustained success (Edwin Díaz, Robert Suarez...
www.mlb.com
November 29, 2025 at 10:03 PM
Wrote about Tyler Rogers, a free agent who isn't just a guy who throws like Marge Simpson, but just keeps on endlessly getting outs -- and in a way you might not expect
--> www.mlb.com/news/tyler-r...
--> www.mlb.com/news/tyler-r...
Reposted by Jonathan Branch
The San Francisco Giants have significant needs that free agency might not answer. With the Winter Meetings around the corner, who should Buster Posey & Co. be pursuing via trades?
Who could Giants target as MLB teams start trading away star players?
The San Francisco Giants have significant needs that free agency might not answer. With the Winter Meetings around the corner, who should Buster Posey & Co. be pursuing via trades?
bit.ly
November 29, 2025 at 9:00 PM
The San Francisco Giants have significant needs that free agency might not answer. With the Winter Meetings around the corner, who should Buster Posey & Co. be pursuing via trades?
Reposted by Jonathan Branch
There is (at least) one trait that stands out about the #SFGiants pitching additions so far this offseason. They all have high ground ball rates
Sam Hentges: 53.4% career GB rate
Reiver Sanmartin: 53.6% career GB rate
Wilkin Ramos: GB rates > 50% in nearly every MiLB season
Sam Hentges: 53.4% career GB rate
Reiver Sanmartin: 53.6% career GB rate
Wilkin Ramos: GB rates > 50% in nearly every MiLB season
November 29, 2025 at 6:44 PM
There is (at least) one trait that stands out about the #SFGiants pitching additions so far this offseason. They all have high ground ball rates
Sam Hentges: 53.4% career GB rate
Reiver Sanmartin: 53.6% career GB rate
Wilkin Ramos: GB rates > 50% in nearly every MiLB season
Sam Hentges: 53.4% career GB rate
Reiver Sanmartin: 53.6% career GB rate
Wilkin Ramos: GB rates > 50% in nearly every MiLB season
Reposted by Jonathan Branch
Reposted by Jonathan Branch
Tatsuya Imai wants to “take down” the Dodgers. Could he do it with the Giants?
A look at Imai’s history, profile, comps and whether the Giants would be willing to drop nine figures on a pitcher.
www.mercurynews.com/2025/11/28/j...
A look at Imai’s history, profile, comps and whether the Giants would be willing to drop nine figures on a pitcher.
www.mercurynews.com/2025/11/28/j...
Japanese ace Imai wants to ‘take down’ Dodgers. Could he do it with SF Giants?
Tatsuya Imai was posted on Nov. 10 and is projected to sign a contract around six years and $150 million
www.mercurynews.com
November 28, 2025 at 3:59 PM
Tatsuya Imai wants to “take down” the Dodgers. Could he do it with the Giants?
A look at Imai’s history, profile, comps and whether the Giants would be willing to drop nine figures on a pitcher.
www.mercurynews.com/2025/11/28/j...
A look at Imai’s history, profile, comps and whether the Giants would be willing to drop nine figures on a pitcher.
www.mercurynews.com/2025/11/28/j...
Reposted by Jonathan Branch
🤖 Around The Foghorn
Former Giants executive Farhan Zaidi is in the news, as he has taken on an advisory role with the Lakers.
Former Giants executive Farhan Zaidi is in the news, as he has taken on an advisory role with the Lakers.
Farhan Zaidi's next venture may come as a surprise to SF Giants fans
Former SF Giants president of baseball operations Farhan Zaidi will forever be polarizing amongst Giants fans and his latest venture may come as a surprise as h
aroundthefoghorn.com
November 28, 2025 at 8:01 PM
🤖 Around The Foghorn
Former Giants executive Farhan Zaidi is in the news, as he has taken on an advisory role with the Lakers.
Former Giants executive Farhan Zaidi is in the news, as he has taken on an advisory role with the Lakers.
Reposted by Jonathan Branch
🤖 Around The Foghorn
ICYMI: We spoke with #SFGiants prospect Spencer Miles, who shared his experiences about the AFL and what he hopes comes next.
ICYMI: We spoke with #SFGiants prospect Spencer Miles, who shared his experiences about the AFL and what he hopes comes next.
Hard-throwing SF Giants pitching prospect sets high expectations after promising AFL campaign
Hard-throwing SF Giants pitching prospect Spencer Miles just completed a successful stint in the Arizona Fall League (AFL), but he is now looking toward the fut
aroundthefoghorn.com
November 27, 2025 at 11:11 PM
🤖 Around The Foghorn
ICYMI: We spoke with #SFGiants prospect Spencer Miles, who shared his experiences about the AFL and what he hopes comes next.
ICYMI: We spoke with #SFGiants prospect Spencer Miles, who shared his experiences about the AFL and what he hopes comes next.
Reposted by Jonathan Branch
🤖 Around The Foghorn
Earlier this week, the Associated Press reported that Patrick Bailey and Randy Rodríguez earned pre-arbitration bonuses for their performances in 2025.
Earlier this week, the Associated Press reported that Patrick Bailey and Randy Rodríguez earned pre-arbitration bonuses for their performances in 2025.
Pair of young SF Giants players receive pre-arbitration bonuses for 2025
A pair of young SF Giants players in Patrick Bailey and Randy Rodríguez earned bonuses in 2025. According to the Associated Press, Bailey and Rodríguez received
aroundthefoghorn.com
November 27, 2025 at 11:11 PM
🤖 Around The Foghorn
Earlier this week, the Associated Press reported that Patrick Bailey and Randy Rodríguez earned pre-arbitration bonuses for their performances in 2025.
Earlier this week, the Associated Press reported that Patrick Bailey and Randy Rodríguez earned pre-arbitration bonuses for their performances in 2025.
Reposted by Jonathan Branch
The San Francisco Giants have invested plenty of time scouting some of the top talent in the Japanese leagues and Korea’s KBO, but they’ll have to prove they can outspend their NL West rivals.
Can the Giants compete with Dodgers’ dollars for stars from Japan, Korea?
The San Francisco Giants have invested plenty of time scouting some of the top talent in the Japanese leagues and Korea’s KBO, but they’ll have to prove they can outspend their NL West rivals.
bit.ly
November 28, 2025 at 12:00 AM
The San Francisco Giants have invested plenty of time scouting some of the top talent in the Japanese leagues and Korea’s KBO, but they’ll have to prove they can outspend their NL West rivals.
Reposted by Jonathan Branch
🤖 Around The Foghorn
The #SFGiants have added to the bullpen after reportedly agreeing to a deal with veteran reliever Sam Hentges.
The #SFGiants have added to the bullpen after reportedly agreeing to a deal with veteran reliever Sam Hentges.
SF Giants reportedly strike a Thanksgiving deal to add a former Guardians reliever
The SF Giants have struck a deal on Thanksgiving. According to Robert Murray of FanSided, the Giants signed former Cleveland Guardians reliever Sam Hentges to a
aroundthefoghorn.com
November 28, 2025 at 12:01 AM
🤖 Around The Foghorn
The #SFGiants have added to the bullpen after reportedly agreeing to a deal with veteran reliever Sam Hentges.
The #SFGiants have added to the bullpen after reportedly agreeing to a deal with veteran reliever Sam Hentges.
Reposted by Jonathan Branch
🤖 Ben Kaspick
Two years of team control. Hentges' ranks among 66 lefty relievers with 100+ IP since 2022:
2.93 ERA – 9th
3.22 xERA – 17th
2.66 FIP – 2nd
27.7 K% – 17th
7.5 BB% – 22nd
20.2 K-BB% – 14th
0.52 HR/9 – 5th
58.1 GB% – 9th
2.0° LA – 8th
5.3 Barrel% – 11th
Lots to like. #SFGiants
Two years of team control. Hentges' ranks among 66 lefty relievers with 100+ IP since 2022:
2.93 ERA – 9th
3.22 xERA – 17th
2.66 FIP – 2nd
27.7 K% – 17th
7.5 BB% – 22nd
20.2 K-BB% – 14th
0.52 HR/9 – 5th
58.1 GB% – 9th
2.0° LA – 8th
5.3 Barrel% – 11th
Lots to like. #SFGiants
November 28, 2025 at 1:51 AM
🤖 Ben Kaspick
Two years of team control. Hentges' ranks among 66 lefty relievers with 100+ IP since 2022:
2.93 ERA – 9th
3.22 xERA – 17th
2.66 FIP – 2nd
27.7 K% – 17th
7.5 BB% – 22nd
20.2 K-BB% – 14th
0.52 HR/9 – 5th
58.1 GB% – 9th
2.0° LA – 8th
5.3 Barrel% – 11th
Lots to like. #SFGiants
Two years of team control. Hentges' ranks among 66 lefty relievers with 100+ IP since 2022:
2.93 ERA – 9th
3.22 xERA – 17th
2.66 FIP – 2nd
27.7 K% – 17th
7.5 BB% – 22nd
20.2 K-BB% – 14th
0.52 HR/9 – 5th
58.1 GB% – 9th
2.0° LA – 8th
5.3 Barrel% – 11th
Lots to like. #SFGiants
Reposted by Jonathan Branch
🤖 Ben Kaspick
Sneaky-solid pickup. Since becoming a full-time RP in 2022, Hentges has a 2.93 ERA, 3.22 xERA, and 2.66 FIP with a 27.7% K rate and 58.1% ground ball rate in 138 IP.
Shoulder (2024) and knee (2025) surgeries have kept him out the last 1.5 years. Non-tendered by CLE last week.
Sneaky-solid pickup. Since becoming a full-time RP in 2022, Hentges has a 2.93 ERA, 3.22 xERA, and 2.66 FIP with a 27.7% K rate and 58.1% ground ball rate in 138 IP.
Shoulder (2024) and knee (2025) surgeries have kept him out the last 1.5 years. Non-tendered by CLE last week.
🤖 Robert Murray
Free-agent reliever Sam Hentges and the San Francisco Giants are in agreement on a one-year, $1.4 million contract, according to a source familiar with the deal.
Free-agent reliever Sam Hentges and the San Francisco Giants are in agreement on a one-year, $1.4 million contract, according to a source familiar with the deal.
November 28, 2025 at 1:41 AM
🤖 Ben Kaspick
Sneaky-solid pickup. Since becoming a full-time RP in 2022, Hentges has a 2.93 ERA, 3.22 xERA, and 2.66 FIP with a 27.7% K rate and 58.1% ground ball rate in 138 IP.
Shoulder (2024) and knee (2025) surgeries have kept him out the last 1.5 years. Non-tendered by CLE last week.
Sneaky-solid pickup. Since becoming a full-time RP in 2022, Hentges has a 2.93 ERA, 3.22 xERA, and 2.66 FIP with a 27.7% K rate and 58.1% ground ball rate in 138 IP.
Shoulder (2024) and knee (2025) surgeries have kept him out the last 1.5 years. Non-tendered by CLE last week.
Reposted by Jonathan Branch
The Giants reportedly reached an agreement with veteran left-handed pitcher Sam Hentges to a one-year, $1.4 million contract 💰
www.nbcsportsbayarea.com/mlb/san-fran...
www.nbcsportsbayarea.com/mlb/san-fran...
Veteran left-handed reliever Sam Hentges reportedly agrees to one-year, $1.4 million Giants contract
The San Francisco Giants reportedly fortified their bullpen by reaching an agreement with veteran Sam Hentges on a one-year, $1.4 million contract.
www.nbcsportsbayarea.com
November 27, 2025 at 6:49 PM
The Giants reportedly reached an agreement with veteran left-handed pitcher Sam Hentges to a one-year, $1.4 million contract 💰
www.nbcsportsbayarea.com/mlb/san-fran...
www.nbcsportsbayarea.com/mlb/san-fran...
Reposted by Jonathan Branch
The Giants made a mildly surprising decision last week to non-tender left-hander Joey Lucchesi.
A week later, they’re adding another lefty with a history of strikeout stuff.
www.mercurynews.com/2025/11/27/s...
A week later, they’re adding another lefty with a history of strikeout stuff.
www.mercurynews.com/2025/11/27/s...
SF Giants to sign left-hander Hentges to shore up bullpen: report
Sam Hentges posted a 2.93 ERA from 2022-24 before missing all of 2025 due to injury
www.mercurynews.com
November 27, 2025 at 7:20 PM
The Giants made a mildly surprising decision last week to non-tender left-hander Joey Lucchesi.
A week later, they’re adding another lefty with a history of strikeout stuff.
www.mercurynews.com/2025/11/27/s...
A week later, they’re adding another lefty with a history of strikeout stuff.
www.mercurynews.com/2025/11/27/s...