The San Diego Padres have signed Him to a minor-league deal, as noted on MLB.com’s transactions page. Brooks, 29, made his MLB debut with the San Francisco Giants in 2024, appearing in 12 games, primarily at first base while LaMonte Wade Jr. was on the injured list.
A left-handed hitter, He has excelled in recent minor-league seasons. In 2024 with the Sacramento River Cats, he hit .302 with a .410 on-base percentage, adding 10 home runs while maintaining a 15.5% walk rate and a 15% strikeout rate. However, his MLB stint was less productive, as he managed just a .120 average and a .241 OBP in 29 plate appearances. Despite that, Brooks offers depth and could thrive with more extended opportunities in the majors.
Before joining the Giants, He signed with the Athletics in November 2022. He delivered a strong season for their Triple-A affiliate, batting .299 with a .405 OBP and 16 home runs in 94 games. The Giants acquired him in a post-deadline trade for veteran left-hander Sean Newcomb, an unusual deal since both players were in the minors.
Brooks could compete for a bench spot with the Padres during Spring Training in 2025. While Tyler Wade, another left-handed bench option, brings speed as his standout skill, Brooks provides more power potential. Interestingly, Brooks also stole ten bases in 2024, though his sprint speed ranked in the fifth percentile, compared to Wade’s 85th.
A potential complication is that Wade is out of options, meaning he would need to pass through waivers if left off the roster, while Brooks isn’t currently on the 40-man roster, allowing for more flexibility in roster decisions. Defensively, Brooks earned a +1 Outs Above Average at first base in limited action, highlighting his ability to contribute in the field. However, the Giants didn’t test him in the outfield, so his versatility remains unproven.
Overall, this signing adds depth for a Padres team aiming to contend for the 2025 World Series. If Brooks gets a chance to prove himself after nearly a decade in the minors, he could play a meaningful role in their pursuit of success.
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