Former SF Giants minor league infielder has swiftly secured a new opportunity, signing a minor league deal with the New York Mets, as noted in the team’s transaction log.
Veteran minor league infielder’s 3-year run with the SF Giants ends after signing with Mets
Walton concluded the 2024 season on the Giants’ 40-man roster but was outrighted earlier this month. Rather than accepting a minor league assignment, he chose free agency, though his time on the market was brief.
The 30-year-old infielder initially joined the Giants in May 2022 through a trade that sent pitching prospect Prelander Berroa to the Seattle Mariners—a deal that was one of many between the two teams that month.
It’s unclear if Buster Posey will maintain a similar trade dynamic with the Mariners in the future. However, the Los Angeles Angels might emerge as a key trade partner for the Giants, given the family connection between Angels GM Perry Minasian and Giants GM Zack Minasian.
Walton struggled after the trade to San Francisco, recording just 12 hits, including one home run and eight RBIs, over 76 at-bats in 2022. Interestingly, nine of those hits were for extra bases. He was outrighted off the 40-man roster at the season’s end and remained with the Giants on minor league contracts for the next two years—a rare continuity for a fringe major leaguer who typically changes organizations annually for better opportunities.
In 2024, Walton had a strong campaign with the Sacramento River Cats, hitting .306/.380/.441 (107 wRC+) with seven home runs, 51 RBIs, and 53 runs over 387 plate appearances while showcasing versatility on the field. He also made 10 appearances as a pitcher, posting a 2.25 ERA.
Despite his solid minor league performance, the Giants’ decision to promote Walton late in the season was perplexing. He managed only three hits in 22 at-bats in his brief major league stint to close out the year.
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