Back in December, former San Francisco Giants outfielder Bryce Johnson signed a minor-league contract with the San Diego Padres. Presumably, the agreement includes a pass to major league spring training. Johnson, who was renowned for his characteristic speed and defense, was a longtime prospect in the Giants system. With center fielder Trent Grisham and left fielder Juan Soto dealt to the Yankees earlier in the summer, Johnson is anticipated to contend for a spot in the Padres outfield.
Johnson was selected by the Giants in the sixth round of the 2017 draft and rose through the organization’s minor league system with exceptional speed and defense in center field, as well as an offensive profile that prioritized contact. In 2022, he made his major league debut and scored his first major league hit in a brief stay. By the end of the season, though, he had been declared for assignment and removed completely from the 40-man roster. With the Giants, he appeared in 19 plate appearances and recorded a.111/.158/.111 line.
Instead of quitting the team, he chose to re-sign with the Giants on a minor-league deal that included a spring training invitation. One of the Giants’ greatest players, Johnson collected a league-high 12 stolen bases in 52 plate appearances while hitting.310/.423/.405 overall. He was added back to the 40-man roster shortly after being unexpectedly left off of the Opening Day roster due to a failed trade.
At points this season, Johnson—who is hitting.280/.373/.455 with 13 doubles, four triples, eight home runs, and 18 stolen bases in 66 games—seemed to be the best player with the Giants Triple-A affiliate. But his difficulties in the majors persisted. He hit.163/.229/.256 in 30 games in 48 plate appearances, with a double, a home run, four walks, 15 strikeouts, and three stolen bases. On the organizational depth chart, Johnson was once again designated for assignment and was outrighted in September after being eclipsed by several younger prospects.