The Houston Astros have signed outfielder Trenton Brooks to a minor league contract. Brooks is already in the lineup for the team’s Triple-A affiliate in Sugar Land. The move gives the Astros more left-handed hitting options in their outfield depth.
Brooks, 30, joins a growing list of lefty-hitters on the Astros’ bench and minor league roster. LaMonte Wade Jr., signed on a major league deal last week, was immediately placed on the injured list with a hamstring strain. That opened a spot for Joey Loperfido to return to the majors. The Astros also have CJ Alexander and Zach Cole on their Triple-A roster as left-handed outfield options.
Brooks spent the start of the 2024 season in the Korea Baseball Organization with the Kiwoom Heroes. He signed a $700,000 contract in January but struggled with the bat. Brooks batted .217/.286/.259 over 41 games. The Heroes waived him in mid-May after struggling to meet the team’s expectations.
The KBO has a foreign-born player limit, which often leads to quick decisions on underperforming imports. After waiving Brooks, the Heroes signed Keston Hiura to replace him. Brooks is now returning to affiliated baseball in the United States.
A former 17th-round draft pick in 2016, Brooks has played 37 games at the major league level. He made his debut with the San Francisco Giants in 2024 and saw action with the San Diego Padres in 2023. Brooks hit .136 with one home run and 19 strikeouts in 72 at-bats during his MLB career.
Despite his poor major league numbers, Brooks has a strong track record in the minors. He owns a .279/.382/.472 slash line in nearly 2,000 career Triple-A plate appearances. Brooks walks and strikes out at nearly equal rates, showing a disciplined approach at the plate.
The Astros are likely looking for a player who can provide left-handed power and a solid on-base percentage from the bench. Brooks’ experience in the minors and familiarity with the Triple-A level could help him contribute quickly if needed.
Brooks will look to make an impact in the Astros’ system as the season progresses. The team has a deep outfield group but could use a lefty bat off the bench. His performance in Sugar Land will determine if he sees time in the majors.
The Padres have signed first baseman Nick Pratto to a minor league contract and assigned him to Triple-A El Paso. The move comes just one day after the Rangers released Pratto, ending his brief stay with Texas for the 2024 season.
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