The San Diego Padres confirm another significant addition, as reported on MLB.com’s transactions page. The experienced player made his MLB debut with the San Francisco Giants in 2024, appearing in 12 games, mostly as the first baseman while LaMonte Wade Jr. was on the injured list.
At 29 years old he is a left-handed hitter who has performed well in the minors in recent years. In 2024, playing for the Sacramento River Cats, he posted a .302 batting average, a .410 on-base percentage, and 10 home runs, with a 15.5% walk rate and a 15% strikeout rate.
Despite strong minor league numbers, Trenton Brooks struggled in his brief time with the Giants, hitting just .120 with a .241 on-base percentage in 29 plate appearances. However, he still offers potential as a depth option, with the possibility of finding success in a more extended major league opportunity.
Before joining the Giants, Brooks signed with the A’s in November 2022, where he had a strong Triple-A season in 2023. He hit .299 with a .405 OBP and 16 home runs in 94 games, earning a trade to San Francisco in exchange for veteran left-hander Sean Newcomb in one of the rare post-deadline deals involving minor leaguers.
Looking ahead to 2025, there’s a chance Brooks could compete for a bench spot with the Padres during Spring Training. While left-handed hitter Tyler Wade is currently listed as a potential bench bat, he’s primarily known for his speed, whereas Brooks offers some power potential. It’s also worth noting that Brooks stole ten bases in the minors last season, though his sprint speed ranked in the fifth percentile in his small major league sample, compared to Wade’s 85th percentile.
One complication for the Padres is that Tyler Wade is out of options, meaning if he’s left off the roster, he’d have to pass through waivers to remain in the organization. On the other hand, Trenton Brooks is not yet on the 40-man roster, so his inclusion can be delayed until the team has a more immediate need for him at the major league level.
For what it’s worth, Brooks posted a +1 Out Above Average at first base, according to Baseball Savant, in his limited time at the position, suggesting he could offer some defensive value when needed. The Giants didn’t use him in the outfield, so there are no defensive metrics available for that position.
Ultimately, this is an intriguing signing for the Padres, who are looking to contend for a World Series in 2025. If they believe Brooks can contribute to that goal, he could earn a shot to make his mark after spending nine years in the minors.
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