SF Giants add former Los Angeles Dodgers 2018 draft pick to a deal

The SF Giants have added an experienced pro arm to a contract. According to the league transaction log, the Lake County DockHounds of the American Association have transferred Trey Dillard's contract to the Giants.

SF Giants add former Los Angeles Dodgers 2018 draft pick to a deal

That wording just means that his contract has been purchased by the Giants. Presumably, this is a minor league deal. Dillard was originally a 16th-round pick by the Los Angeles Dodgers in the 2018 draft out of San Jacinto College, but he did not sign.

Dillard returned to college for the next three seasons, including two years at the University Missouri and one season at Texas A&M. Across three college seasons, he tallied a 4.43 ERA with 31 strikeouts and 12 walks in 22.1 frames. There is a good chance that he crossed paths with new Giants manager Tony Vitello on an SEC baseball field.

The right-handed hurler went undrafted in the 2023 draft, but caught on as an undrafted free agent with the Philadelphia Phillies. He pitched briefly with them, posting a 5.36 ERA with 55 strikeouts and 37 walks in 45.1 innings across two seasons.

The Phillies released Dillard right before the 2025 season. That is a common time for organizations to reduce organizational headcount for the regular season. In the offseason, they can carry up to 175 minor leaguers on their domestic rosters, but that number is reduced to 165 players once the year begins.

Dillard latched on with the American Association for the 2025 season. He pitched for Lake County and the Cleburne Railroaders. Dillard registered an 8.36 ERA with 41 strikeouts and 34 walks in 28 innings of work.

The 27-year-old has been working out at Push Performance this offseason. Push Performance is a player development program similar to Driveline. It is also a place for players to showcase their ability to interested teams. Currently, he throws a mid 90's cutter with a upper-80's slider. He has been able to reach triple digits with his fastball in the past.

With Dillard, he throws hard and misses a lot of bats. However, he walks a few too many hitters as well.

The Giants have had success with scouting players in independent ball recently. Spencer Bivens is the most recent scouting success they have had in that channel, but Dayson Croes is another minor league who rose rapidly up the minor league ladder.