SF Giants observations: Who's trending up, down through 10 Cactus League games?

Hayden Birdsong has allowed eight earned runs and faced 14 batters during Cactus League play

Published on Mar. 2, 2026

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The Giants have played 10 Cactus League games, and the calculus is already shifting as far as who's making a case for the Opening Day roster. Hayden Birdsong and Carson Whisenhunt have struggled during Cactus League play, but Blade Tidwell and Trevor McDonald have both made compelling early cases for the Opening Day roster. There's also a non-roster invitee who can't stop racking up the hits.

Why it matters

With three weeks of exhibitions remaining, the Giants are evaluating their roster and looking for players who can contribute at the start of the season. Strong performances in the Cactus League can help players secure spots on the Opening Day roster.

The details

Blade Tidwell has looked deserving of a starting spot, with the right-hander allowing two runs over two innings and generating nine whiffs, six being with his sweeper. Hayden Birdsong has struggled, facing 14 batters and allowing eight runs. Trevor McDonald has pitched three scoreless innings with five strikeouts, while Carson Whisenhunt has allowed nine earned runs while retiring just eight batters. Caleb Kilian, a non-roster invite, has pitched three scoreless innings with excellent stuff and velocity. Drew Gilbert is dealing with a left shoulder impingement, while Victor Bericoto has been impressive, going 8-for-15 with two homers and nine RBIs. Erik Miller is currently dealing with lower back tightness, and Patrick Bailey has proven proficient at turning balls into strikes with the automated ball-strike (ABS) challenge.

  • The Giants have officially played 10 Cactus League games.
  • There are still three weeks of exhibitions remaining before Opening Night against the New York Yankees on March 25.

The players

Blade Tidwell

A 24-year-old right-handed pitcher who has looked deserving of a starting spot, throwing a scoreless inning with three strikeouts in his first appearance and allowing two runs over two innings in his second appearance while generating nine whiffs, six being with his sweeper.

Hayden Birdsong

A pitcher who has struggled in Cactus League play, facing 14 batters and allowing eight earned runs.

Trevor McDonald

A pitcher who has pitched three scoreless innings with five strikeouts and has only allowed one baserunner (via hit by pitch).

Carson Whisenhunt

A 25-year-old left-handed pitcher who has allowed nine earned runs while retiring just eight batters through two outings.

Caleb Kilian

A non-roster invitee who has pitched three scoreless innings with excellent stuff and velocity.

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What they’re saying

“I just don't think he came away throwing the ball as well as he can. He's certainly got good stuff — that's kind of been beat up ad nauseam — but I think as far as watching body language, presence, how he threw the ball, I think he's capable of better.”

— Vitello (thereporter.com)

What’s next

Tidwell is slated to pitch multiple innings when the Giants host Team USA in an exhibition ahead of the World Baseball Classic, and he can further improve his stock if he performs well against a lineup full of All-Stars and superstars.

The takeaway

The Giants are closely evaluating their roster during Cactus League play, with some players like Tidwell and McDonald making strong early cases for the Opening Day roster, while others like Birdsong and Whisenhunt have struggled. The next three weeks will be crucial as the team finalizes its roster decisions.