Giants' Birdsong Faces Pivotal Spring Training

Young pitcher looks to rebound after struggles in 2025 season

Published on Feb. 24, 2026

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San Francisco Giants pitcher Hayden Birdsong faces a crucial spring training as he aims to secure a spot in the 2026 rotation. After a promising start to the 2025 season, Birdsong struggled with command and consistency when moved to the starting rotation, leading to a demotion to the minors. Now, the 24-year-old right-hander must demonstrate improved control and execution to regain the Giants' trust and earn another opportunity at the major league level.

Why it matters

The Giants are looking for stability in their starting rotation after missing the playoffs in 2025, and Birdsong represents both upside and risk. If he can harness his stuff and throw strikes, he could provide a cost-controlled arm to soak up innings. However, continued inconsistency would force the team to rely on lower-tier depth options, impacting their roster construction and bullpen usage.

The details

Birdsong flashed promise early in 2025, posting a 2.31 ERA in 11 relief appearances. The Giants rewarded him with a move to the rotation in May, but he struggled, recording a 6.17 ERA over 10 starts. His command wavered, and he was optioned to Triple-A in July. Birdsong's struggles followed him to the minors, and the Giants declined to recall him in September, instead giving opportunities to other pitchers.

  • Birdsong opened the 2025 season in the Giants' bullpen.
  • In May 2025, the Giants moved Birdsong into the starting rotation.
  • On July 22, 2025, the Giants optioned Birdsong to the Sacramento River Cats.
  • In September 2025, the Giants declined to recall Birdsong, instead giving opportunities to other pitchers.

The players

Hayden Birdsong

A 24-year-old right-handed pitcher in the San Francisco Giants organization who is looking to secure a spot in the 2026 rotation.

Logan Webb

The anchor of the Giants' starting rotation.

Adrian Houser

A pitcher the Giants signed to a two-year deal to reinforce the top of their rotation.

Tyler Mahle

A pitcher the Giants added on a one-year contract to reinforce the top of their rotation.

Kai-Wei Teng

A pitcher who received an opportunity with the Giants in September 2025 when Birdsong was not recalled.

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What’s next

The Giants will be closely evaluating Birdsong's performance and command during spring training to determine if he has made the necessary improvements to earn another opportunity in the major league rotation.

The takeaway

Birdsong's development will be crucial for the Giants in 2026, as the team looks to return to the playoffs after missing out in 2025. If he can demonstrate improved control and consistency, he could provide a cost-effective option to stabilize the rotation. However, continued struggles could force the Giants to rely on less reliable depth options, impacting their overall pitching staff.