San Francisco Giants sign Canadian, former Blue Jays' reliever

On Friday it was reported that the San Francisco Giants agreed on a one-year minor league contract with right handed pitcher Rowan Wick.

It comes with a club option 2027. What makes the deal interesting is that Wick, who spent the last two seasons pitching in Japan, is recovering from Tommy John surgery and not expected to pitch at all in 2026.

The 33-year old from North Vancouver, BC found success with the Yokohama Bay Stars and was a Japanese World Champion in 2024.

Most of his big league experience however, has come with the Chicago Cubs.

Wick is one of handful of players returning stateside after successful stints in Asia.

Wick was actually drafted as a catcher by the St. Louis Cardinals in the ninth round of the 2012 draft. While he showed some power, during his 2012 season, he allowed 12 passed balls in 12 games.

He switched to the outfield for a couple of seasons before transitioning to the mound in 2016.

He finally made his major league debut with the San Diego Padres in 2018.

He was traded to the Cubs in the 2018 offseason and spent the next four years with the North Siders.

After being removed from the 40-man roster shortly before the 2023 season, he was released by the Cubbies in July.

He was picked up by the Atlanta Braves only for them to release him four days later.

He caught on with the Toronto Blue Jays and spent the rest of the year in Triple-A Buffalo but never made it back to the major leagues.

Although he won't be a factor this year, Wick and the Giants are looking into the future.

If his rehab goes well, there's no reason why San Francisco wouldn't pick up their option for 2027.

Wick's numbers in Japan proves he has the stuff to succeed. Now, he just has to stay healthy.

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