The San Francisco Giants are taking a chance on Sam Hentges, a left-handed reliever with a big arm when everything is working properly. He once played an important role in the Cleveland Guardians’ bullpen before injuries slowed his momentum and kept him sidelined in recent seasons.
The Giants clearly believe there is something worth investing in. They brought him in on a one-year, $1.4 million deal, a move that does not require any changes to their 40-man roster. MLB insider Robert Murray shared the update on X, confirming the Giants’ commitment to Hentges’ recovery.
“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,” Murray wrote.
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.
— Robert Murray (@ByRobertMurray) November 27, 2025
Hentges’ tenure with the Cleveland Guardians began with his selection in the fourth round of the 2014 MLB Draft and stretched through the 2025 season. That span was marked by steady development, a major injury, and a successful stretch in the bullpen.
After signing out of Mounds View High School, he progressed through the system as a starter before Tommy John surgery cost him most of 2016. By 2018, he had re-established his prospect status and eventually earned his MLB debut in April 2021.
That year, he worked in a swingman role, logging 30 appearances, including 12 starts, showing flashes of strikeout ability but delivering uneven results.
Everything changed in 2022 when Cleveland moved him to the bullpen full-time. Hentges delivered the best season of his career, posting a 2.32 ERA over 57 outings and establishing himself as a trusted high-leverage arm.
He remained a reliable option in 2023 with 56 appearances and a 3.61 ERA. He opened 2024 in similar form before shoulder issues led to surgery in September and a projected 12-14 month recovery.
With his 2025 season essentially lost to injury recovery, the Cleveland Guardians non-tendered him in November, ending his chapter with the organization. The Giants now hope Hentges can regain his health and rediscover the form that made him a reliable bullpen option.
NEXT: Insider Makes Case For Guardians To Sign Free Agent Pitcher
