JT Brubaker secures two-inning save vs. Rockies

Brubaker averaged 92.6 mph with his sinker in his first three outings this spring, which was down 0.9 mph from last year in his return from Tommy John surgery. Tonight, though, he was up to 94.2 mph, even after he faded some in his third inning of work. The Giants apparently intend to look at Brubaker as a middle man, so he wouldn’t seem to offer much fantasy potential. However, if he can impress in shorter stints, the possibility of saves can’t be ruled out. He never had much success as a starter in Pittsburgh, but he’s always been able to miss bats at a solid clip, and he might yet get a little better there in short outings.

Brubaker allowed a solo shot to Gabriel Moreno in the first, but kept the D-backs from putting any more runs across. The 32-year-old has an outside chance of being the fifth starter for San Francisco in 2026, but more than likely, he’ll be a multi-inning bullpen arm for the Giants to begin the campaign.

Brubaker, who was slated to make around $2 million in arbitration, presumably would have been non-tendered if he hadn’t agreed to a deal. The former Pirates starter had a 4.26 ERA in 12 2/3 innings after being cut by the Yankees and signed by the Giants late in the year. He could have a chance to compete for a rotation spot in spring training, but it seems likely that he’ll open up in the pen.

Brubaker was up for a spot start after the Giants shut Robbie Ray down. The 31-year-old is essentially auditioning for a role with someone next year, and the results were mixed. Brubaker will likely be looking at a minor-league deal in 2026.

He had been slated to start Wednesday, but JT Brubaker will get the nod instead. Ray, who returned from Tommy John in the second half of last season, ends this year 11-8 with a 3.65 ERA and a 186/73 K/BB in 182 1/3 innings. He’s due to earn $25 million next season in the final season of a five-year deal he originally signed with the Mariners.

The Giants signed the 31-year-old hurler in mid-August after he was released by the Yankees. Brubaker looked sharp in 12 appearances out of the Yankees’ bullpen, posting a 3.38 ERA, 1.19 WHIP and a 10/9 K/BB ratio over 16 frames. He’ll work in middle relief to start but could end up seeing some high-leverage situations over the final month of the season if he continues to perform well.

Brubaker, who returned from Tommy John surgery this yaear, was recently let go by the Yankees after posting a 3.38 ERA and a 10/9 K/BB ratio over 16 innings in relief. The Giants could give him a look during the final month of the season and determine whether to pay him $2 million or so to return in 2026. He was due to be eligible for free agency at season’s end, but he’ll now fall short of the necessary service time unless the Giants call him up within the next few days.

Brubaker went unclaimed after being designated for assignment, and instead of an outright to Triple-A, the 31-year-old will be handed his walking papers and be free to sign with another club. Someone could have interest in Brubaker as a depth piece for the remainder of 2025.

In his first major league action since Tommy John surgery in 2023, Brubaker had a 3.38 ERA and a 10/9 K/BB in 16 innings out of the pen for the Yankees. It’s possible he’ll go unclaimed, since he’s making more than twice the major league minimum and he’s a free agent at season’s end anyway, but he might resurface as a starter on a lesser team next year.

Brubaker, who underwent Tommy John surgery in 2023 and didn’t pitch int he majors then or in 2024, has done fine in 16 innings since returning from broken ribs, but his 3.38 ERA comes with just a 10/9 K/BB, and since he’s a free agent at season’s end, it’s not worth holding on to him and hoping it will pay off later.