In a move that’s raising eyebrows among baseball fans, the San Francisco Giants have quietly signed two familiar names to minor league contracts—Buddy Kennedy and Caleb Kilian. But here’s where it gets intriguing: both players come with unique stories and potential that could reshape their careers.
Last month, the Giants officially inked infielder Buddy Kennedy and right-hander Caleb Kilian to minor league deals, as confirmed by the team’s transaction page. Both players had previously opted for minor league free agency after the 2025 season, but now they’re back in the Giants’ fold—though their paths to the majors are anything but straightforward.
Kennedy, a journeyman infielder, made appearances in 13 big league games across three teams in 2025: the Phillies (4 games), Blue Jays (2 games), and Dodgers (7 games). His situation is complicated by his lack of minor league options, which led to a rollercoaster of designations for assignment, outrights, and waiver claims. Despite the chaos, Kennedy ended the season with a unique bragging right—a guaranteed World Series ring, regardless of whether the Dodgers or Blue Jays took the title. Talk about a silver lining!
Kennedy’s major league stats (.178/.271/.274 over 181 plate appearances) don’t jump off the page, but his minor league numbers (.281/.388/.429 with 33 homers in Triple-A) tell a different story. His real value, however, lies in his defensive versatility. With experience at first, second, and third base, plus stints as a shortstop and left fielder, Kennedy is the ultimate utility player. But here’s the catch: the Giants’ infield is crowded, with established starters at every position except second base. And even that spot could be filled by a big name like Ketel Marte or Brendan Donovan, leaving Kennedy battling for a backup role against the likes of Casey Schmitt, Christian Koss, Tyler Fitzgerald, and Osleivis Basabe. Is Kennedy’s versatility enough to earn him a spot, or will he be relegated to Triple-A depth?
And this is the part most people miss: Kennedy’s out-of-options status makes his journey even tougher. While he might not break camp with the big league squad, his experience and adaptability could make him a valuable asset in Triple-A—if he can stay healthy and consistent.
Now, let’s talk about Caleb Kilian. Drafted by the Giants in the eighth round of 2019, Kilian was part of the package sent to the Cubs in the 2021 Kris Bryant trade. Since then, his career has been a mix of injuries and inconsistency. In 27 1/3 major league innings, he’s posted a 9.22 ERA with nearly as many walks (6) as strikeouts (7). A teres major strain sidelined him for much of 2024, and an undisclosed injury limited him to just 15 2/3 minor league innings in 2025. His transition to the bullpen last season didn’t go as planned, resulting in a 7.47 ERA—though health issues likely played a role.
But here’s the controversial question: Can Kilian still be a starter, or is his future in the bullpen? At 28, he’s at a career crossroads, but returning to the Giants could be the fresh start he needs. With a familiar organization and new voices guiding him, Kilian’s first priority is staying healthy. Once that’s achieved, the Giants’ pitching development team can assess whether he’s a starter or reliever in the making.
Both Kennedy and Kilian represent low-risk, high-reward signings for the Giants. While their paths to the majors are uncertain, their stories highlight the resilience and unpredictability of baseball careers. What do you think—are these signings smart moves by the Giants, or are they long shots unlikely to pay off? Let us know in the comments below!
