On Friday November 7, 2025, the San Francisco Giants announced that right handed pitcher Sean Hjelle elected free agency.
This essentially means that the Giants and Hjelle have let his contract expire, so expect him to leave San Francisco and try to sign with another team.
In 4 seasons with the Giants from 2022-25, Hjelle had a 7-8 record and a 5.11 career ERA. He struck out 145 batters in 149.2 innings.
Hjelle seemed to be carving out a more permanent role in the Giants’ bullpen in 2024 when he made 58 appearances for San Francisco and recorded a 3.90 ERA.
But Hjelle struggled to the tune of a 7.80 ERA in 2025 and spent the season going back and forth between San Francisco and AAA Sacramento.
He also, unfortunately, had some drama off the field. In June, Hjelle’s wife Caroline accused him of infidelity and abuse in a TikTok post.
The MLB investigation of the allegations is ongoing. Given that the Giants kept him in the organization until the end of the season, it’s possible that another team could sign him with the mindset that he is innocent until proven guilty.
But the results of the investigation are something to monitor.
Hjelle is also famous for being tied for the tallest player in MLB history at 6’11’’. The raw stuff he has showcased on his sinker and cutter will likely earn him a minor league deal elsewhere, depending on how the off-field allegations play out.
Giants Also Parted Ways With A Catcher
Catcher Sam Huff also elected free agency Friday. Huff, 27, opened the 2025 season as the Giants’ backup catcher and hit .208 with 2 home runs and 4 RBI in 20 games for the Giants.
But he was designated for assignment in the middle of the season and ultimately replaced by Andrew Knizner.
The Giants retained Huff at AAA Sacramento until the end of the season, but he is also now in search of a new team. He will likely have a pretty easy time finding a chance with another organization because of his youth and hitting potential.
What’s Next for the Giants at Pitcher, Catcher?
The Giants have been busy with low-level deals for the first few days of MLB free agency. Hjelle isn’t the only right hander they parted ways with, they also designated Mason Black for assignment. They added LHP Reiver Sanmartin in a corresponding move, so already, the bullpen is looking a lot different next year.
The Giants also declined catcher Tom Murphy’s option, so with Murphy and Huff both gone, Giants fans got a little more clarity on their plans at catcher.
They have Thomas Gavello and Logan Porter rostered at AAA Sacramento, with Patrick Bailey, Andrew Knizner and Jesus Rodriguez on the 40 man roster. Knizner is arbitration eligible this season.
Their work is nowhere near done on the pitching staff, and they could add another backup catcher. But we are beginning to see both position groups take shape already, which makes these moves something to monitor.
Giants fans, do you want to see either Hjelle or Huff return to San Francisco?
Ethan Inman is a sports journalist covering USC football, the San Francisco 49ers, San Francisco Giants and Las Vegas Raiders for heavy.com. He also co-hosts a college football podcast for The Voice of College Football. He has previously covered the greater USC Athletics, the NHL, college baseball, and the intersection of sports and popular culture for other publications. He is based in the greater Los Angeles area. More about Ethan Inman
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