Giants Add Cal Mitchell with Minor League Contract Signing

The San Francisco Giants have taken a chance on a fresh start for outfielder Cal Mitchell, signing him to a minor league contract and assigning him to Double-A Richmond.

Once a promising second-round draft pick, Mitchell’s career has been a mixture of highs and lows, with flashes of offensive prowess offset by consistency issues.

Cal Mitchell: A Promising Talent Looking to Rebound

Originally drafted by the Pittsburgh Pirates in the second round of the 2017 MLB Draft, Cal Mitchell’s career has been a study in potential and perseverance.

The left-handed hitter made his major league debut in 2022, appearing in 69 games for Pittsburgh. Though his numbers—.226/.286/.349 with five home runs—were modest, they hinted at more to come as he adjusted to the big leagues.

Unfortunately, his rookie season was followed by a spell in Triple-A, where inconsistency and roster moves saw his fortunes take a downward turn.

A Strong Showing in El Paso

After being designated for assignment and electing free agency in the 2023-24 offseason, Mitchell signed with the San Diego Padres on a minor league deal.

While the Padres kept him at their Triple-A affiliate in El Paso for the entire 2024 season, Mitchell turned heads with a standout performance. He put up a strong .277/.359/.512 line, launching 22 home runs and 26 doubles.

Even more impressive was his plate discipline: an 11.7% walk rate coupled with a manageable 20.3% strikeout rate. These metrics made him a standout within the Padres’ minor league system and bolstered his profile as a player capable of contributing offensively.

Why Didn’t the Padres Promote Him?

Despite his strong 2024 season, Cal Mitchell was left waiting for his shot back in the majors. The Padres opted not to promote Mitchell, perhaps due to a crowded outfield picture at the major league level or concerns about how well his Triple-A success would translate against big-league pitching.

This decision left Mitchell in limbo heading into the offseason, where he chose to sign a minor league deal with the Chicago White Sox.

The Struggles in 2025

Hoping to turn his offensive surge into a big-league opportunity, Mitchell joined the Chicago White Sox organization. However, his time with the team was brief and disappointing.

Strikeouts quickly became his Achilles’ heel, with 11 punchouts in just 28 plate appearances during Spring Training. The issues carried over into the Triple-A season, where Mitchell fanned 14 times without drawing a single walk in just 10 games.

His offensive woes culminated in a paltry .111 batting average across 27 trips to the plate. Shortly after, the White Sox parted ways with Mitchell, opting to release him outright.

Turning the Page with the Giants

In the wake of his release, the San Francisco Giants offered Mitchell a chance to reset. Signing him to a minor league contract and assigning him to their Double-A affiliate in Richmond signals the organization’s willingness to invest in a potential bounce-back story.

For Mitchell, this change of scenery offers a lower-pressure environment and an opportunity to recalibrate his swing and approach at the plate.

What This Means for the Giants

The Giants’ decision to take a flyer on Mitchell has little downside. A minor league deal comes with minimal financial risk, and Mitchell’s potential upside adds intrigue.

If he can rediscover the offensive consistency he displayed in El Paso, he could emerge as a valuable contributor, at least at the organizational depth level.

The Giants have a history of coaxing strong performances out of overlooked or underperforming players. Mitchell could very well be the latest reclamation success story.

Key Areas for Growth

• Plate Discipline: It will be crucial for Mitchell to cut down on strikeouts and rediscover the plate discipline he showcased in 2024.
• Consistency: Bounce-back success in Richmond could come down to whether he can maintain a balanced approach and avoid streaky slumps.
• Versatility: Standing out defensively or adding new skills to his toolkit could further boost his chances of reaching the majors again.

Why a Fresh Start Matters

For Cal Mitchell, this minor league stint with the Giants isn’t just a footnote—it’s a lifeline. Every at-bat and every adjustment could bring him closer to a second crack at the majors.

His performance with the Padres in 2024 proves he has the tools to contribute at a high level. Now the challenge lies in turning those tools into long-term production.

For the Giants, signing Mitchell to a minor league contract underscores their commitment to finding unpolished gems. Will Cal Mitchell’s journey with San Francisco be one of redemption?

 
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