Full Breakdown
Padres Add Former World Series Reliever Brent Honeywell Jr. on Minor-League Deal
8/15/2026, 11:51:31 PM
Core Event
The San Diego Padres announced that right-hander Brent Honeywell Jr. has signed a minor-league contract.
Background & Context
Honeywell’s career has been marked by early promise, multiple injuries, and a brief resurgence with the Los Angeles Dodgers. Drafted by the Tampa Bay Rays in the second round of the 2014 MLB Draft, he emerged as a top prospect in 2018 before undergoing Tommy John surgery. Subsequent elbow and ulnar-nerve surgeries in 2019 and 2020 delayed his major-league debut until 2021, when he posted an 8.31 ERA in three games for the Rays.
After a trade to the Oakland Athletics and another elbow injury in April 2022, Honeywell signed a major-league deal with the Padres in January 2023, appearing in 36 games (4.05 ERA, 46.2 IP). He was designated for assignment in August 2023, claimed by the Chicago White Sox (11.12 ERA over four outings), then signed a minor-league deal with the Pittsburgh Pirates for the 2024 season. The Pirates released him, and the Dodgers claimed him, where he posted a 2.62 ERA across 18 regular-season appearances and contributed in the 2024 postseason, earning a World Series ring.
Following a year without a contract in 2025, Honeywell signed with the San Francisco Giants in February 2026 but was released before the regular season began. The Padres’ latest signing marks his second stint with the organization.
Data & Statistics
- Career MLB totals: 63 games, 4.10 ERA, 67 strikeouts in 94.1 innings.
- 2023 Padres: 36 appearances, 4.05 ERA, 46.2 IP.
- 2024 Dodgers: 18 regular-season games, 2.62 ERA, 34.1 IP; appeared in two NLCS games and one World Series game.
- Age reports: sources list Honeywell as 31, 32, and 40.
Conflicting Reports & Gaps
- Age discrepancy: The Sports Illustrated introduction lists Honeywell as 40, while The Big Lead and another SI article describe him as 31 and 32, respectively. No source clarifies the correct age.
- Future role: No official projection from the Padres specifies whether Honeywell will be invited to major-league spring training or remain at the Triple-A level.
Verbatim Quotes
- “I don’t do it for me, I do it for these guys in here,” — Brent Honeywell
Why It Matters
Honeywell’s signing provides the Padres with a low-cost, experienced arm that previously succeeded in high-leverage situations for a championship team. If he can replicate his 2024 Dodgers performance, he could serve as an innings-eater in the bullpen, preserving the staff’s top relievers for critical late-game moments.
Timeline
- 2024: Contributed to Dodgers’ World Series victory.
- 2025: Remained unsigned throughout the season.
- February 2026: Signed a minor-league deal with the Giants; released before the season.
- August 14, 2026: Agreed to a minor-league contract with the Padres.
- August 15, 2026: Padres publicly announced the signing via social media.
