SF Giants release left-handed minor league pitcher from Double-A squad

The SF Giants trimmed organizational depth this week. According to the team's transaction log, they have released veteran minor league pitcher Antonio Jimenez from their Double-A squad.

SF Giants release left-handed minor league pitcher from Double-A squad

There is usually a wave of roster cuts around this time of year in the minors. Teams can hold up to 175 players on their domestic rosters during the regular season. However, that number needs to be brought down to 165 players once the year begins.

This is a relatively new constraint with the current Collective Bargaining Agreement (CBA). This is also why teams have not been nearly as aggressive in minor league free agency as in the past. They just do not have the space to make a lot of additions.

This is especially true for minor leaguers with major league experience. While they may join a new team in the offseason on a minor league deal that includes a camp invite, their tenure may not make it past spring training. This is due to the limited headcount that teams can now carry, and for the players to pursue opportunities elsewhere if they do not make the team.

The new restriction has opened up the door for independent ball. More so than before, the American Association, Atlantic League, and Frontier League have become popular alternatives if minor leaguers do not land with an affiliated team.

The Giants signed Antonio Jimenez to a minor league deal last offseason. This included a camp invite. Until that point, he has pitched exclusively for the Tampa Bay Rays organization.

The southpaw pitcher put together some good bullpens in camp last year, and his fastball velocity caught the attention of the coaching staff. Jimenez did not make the team out of camp, as he was reassigned to Triple-A. He put up strong numbers with the Sacramento River Cats, pitching to a 3.55 ERA with 56 strikeouts and 35 walks in 45.2 innings.

Jimenez was eligible to become a free agent after the 2025 season, but did not elect free agency. Presumably, he either re-signed with the club or was already under contract for this season. Jimenez was involved in a car crash in November. The Giants released a statement, but there has been no public update on his status since then.