The SF Giants are actively bolstering their minor league pitching ranks, a crucial move after significant player losses! It's a strategic play to ensure their farm system remains robust and capable of supporting their various affiliates throughout the season.
Just last month, the Giants experienced a notable exodus of talent, with seven players departing via the Rule 5 draft. Among these were six pitchers, a significant blow to their depth. Some of these players, like Spencer Miles and Ryan Watson, were selected by other clubs in the major league phase of the draft, and while they must remain on their new teams' active rosters for a period or risk being returned, this highlights the constant churn in player development.
But here's where it gets interesting: the Giants have just signed Brad Deppermann, a pitcher originally drafted by the Chicago Cubs in 2019, to a minor league deal. This move is all about rebuilding that lost pitching depth, and while not every signing is destined for the bright lights of the major leagues, any player who does make an impact at that level is a definite win for the organization.
Now, let's dive into Deppermann's journey. He was first selected by the Cubs in the 31st round of the 2014 draft out of East Lake High School in Florida, though he didn't sign at that time. The Cubs saw his potential again and drafted him in the seventh round of the 2019 draft from the University of North Florida. Fun fact: he was only one pick away from being drafted by the same team three times, a rare occurrence! He secured a signing bonus of $50,000.
Across six minor league seasons, Deppermann has demonstrated solid performance, boasting a 3.59 ERA, a 1.33 WHIP, and a respectable 9.2 strikeouts per nine innings (K/9). His strikeout-to-walk ratio (SO/W) stands at a healthy 2.75. He even had a particularly strong 2025 campaign, posting a 2.76 ERA with 42 strikeouts against just 11 walks in 45.2 innings for the Cubs' Double-A affiliate.
And this is the part most people miss: Deppermann is a right-handed pitcher who has primarily worked out of the bullpen and hasn't yet advanced beyond Double-A. His professional career has been somewhat limited by injuries, with only 160.2 total innings pitched. There was even a period where he was briefly listed as retired, which adds a layer of resilience to his story.
On the mound, Deppermann's arsenal includes a mid-90s fastball that shows good upward movement in the strike zone, complemented by a changeup that effectively drops below the zone and a curveball. He's known for inducing a good number of ground balls and is adept at preventing balls from leaving the park.
What do you think about the Giants' strategy of focusing on minor league depth? Do you believe Brad Deppermann has the potential to make an impact at the major league level? Let us know your thoughts in the comments below!
