Sam Hentges — drafted by the Guardians in the fourth round of the 2014 MLB Draft — spent his entire pro career through 2025 within Cleveland’s organization. He made his Major League debut in 2021, worked both as a starter and reliever early on, before becoming a full-time bullpen arm starting in 2022.
From 2022 through 2024, Hentges emerged as one of Cleveland’s more reliable southpaw relievers: over 138 appearances he logged an ERA of 2.93, struck out 155 batters, and registered a WHIP around 1.12 — among the better marks for left‑handed relievers over that span.
His best season came in 2022, when he posted a sparkling 2.32 ERA across 62 innings in 57 games — a performance that cemented his status as a bullpen asset.
But misfortune struck in 2024: Hentges required surgery on his left shoulder (capsule repair) in September, ending his season prematurely. To complicate matters, he also underwent arthroscopic surgery on his right knee in August 2025.
Because of the extended recovery and uncertainty around his health, the Guardians opted to non‑tender him in November — making him a free agent.
The Giants evidently believe that Hentges still has upside — if healthy. They signed him to a one‑year, $1.4 million contract, a deal that does not require adding him immediately to the 40-man roster.
For San Francisco, the deal is attractive for several reasons:
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Left‑handed balance for a shaken bullpen: The Giants recently underwent bullpen turnover, creating a need for southpaw options. Hentges adds a proven lefty arm without a big financial commitment.
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Low risk, high potential reward: Given Hentges’ prior performance and rehab updates, this contract represents a “buy‑low, upside‑high” bet. If he recovers well, the Giants gain a cost-effective reliever; if not, the budget hit is minimal.
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Flexibility in roster construction: Since the deal doesn’t require major commitments, the Giants retain flexibility to adjust the bullpen as needed — useful in a season where bullpen depth is often tested.
While the signing is promising, success is far from guaranteed. Hentges will need to demonstrate several things in the coming months:
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Full physical recovery: After shoulder capsule surgery and a knee procedure, he must show his arm and legs are healthy and ready for live pitching. The Giants expect him to be ready for Spring Training.
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Return to past form: His ERA‑, strikeout‑rate, and control need to approach pre‑injury levels to justify a bullpen role.
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Durability over innings and outings: As a reliever, volume and reliability matter — consistency will be critical for earning meaningful innings in high‑leverage situations.
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Adapting to a new organizational and bullpen context: Moving from a long-term home in Cleveland to San Francisco, Hentges must acclimate to a new coaching staff, catcher‑pitcher dynamics, and performance expectations.
For the Guardians, letting Hentges go was part of a broader roster reset. With injuries and a shifting bullpen landscape, Cleveland appears to be prioritizing healthy, controllable arms, while cutting ties with players carrying injury risk or uncertain future performance. Hentges, unfortunately, fell into that category.
For the Giants, signing Hentges sends a message that they’re willing to take smart chances on rehabilitated pitchers — aiming to rebuild bullpen depth without overspending. If Hentges returns to form, he could bolster their left‑handed relief options and contribute meaningfully in middle or late innings. If not, the modest financial commitment limits the downside.
In a league where bullpen performance can swing entire seasons, this kind of low‑risk gamble could pay off — giving San Francisco a sleeper bullpen boost if Hentges rediscovers his previous magic.
While not a headline‑grabbing blockbuster, the signing of Sam Hentges by the Giants could quietly become one of the more interesting offseason moves this winter. For a modest $1.4 million, San Francisco picks up a former effective lefty reliever with upside — provided he can stay healthy and recover his form.
For Hentges, it’s a second chance: a one‑year audition in a new clubhouse, a clean slate, and a path back to the big leagues. For the Giants, it’s a calculated bet: a low‑cost addition that, if successful, boosts bullpen depth when rosters are thinner than ever.
As Spring Training approaches, all eyes will be on Hentges’ health — and whether this under‑the‑radar move can yield bullpen dividends in 2026.
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