Daniel Johnson’s name is once again making headlines in the baseball world, and for good reason. After years spent navigating the unpredictable currents of professional baseball, Daniel Johnson has staged one of the most unexpected comebacks of 2025. On June 4, the San Francisco Giants selected the contract of Daniel Johnson from Triple-A Sacramento, marking a fresh chapter in a career that many believed had quietly faded away. This latest move places Johnson at the center of a roster reshuffle for the Giants and cements his reputation as one of baseball’s most resilient and determined athletes.
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Daniel Johnson’s Journey: From Cleveland to San Francisco
Daniel Johnson’s professional baseball journey has been anything but straightforward. Once considered a promising outfield prospect for the Cleveland Indians (now Guardians), Johnson made his MLB debut during the COVID-shortened 2020 season. His early career, however, was marked by challenges. In 2021, after hitting just .221 over 30 games and struggling with defensive consistency, Cleveland sent him down to Triple-A. The following year, Johnson was traded to the New York Mets for cash considerations, a move that signaled the start of a long and winding road through the baseball wilderness.
Over the next few seasons, Johnson bounced between organizations, including minor league stints with the Nationals, Padres, and Orioles. He even spent time in the Mexican League, where he posted impressive numbers—hitting .429 with five home runs and three doubles in just 41 plate appearances. This performance caught the attention of the Giants, who signed him in May 2025.
The Latest News: Daniel Johnson’s 2025 MLB Call-Up
Daniel Johnson’s baseball journey reached an exciting milestone on June 4, 2025, when he was called up to the San Francisco Giants from Triple-A Sacramento. This move was part of a major roster shakeup for the Giants, who also made several other changes, including designating LaMonte Wade Jr. and Sam Huff for assignment, signing Dominic Smith to the big league roster, and bringing up catcher Andrew Knizner from Triple-A.
Johnson earned his promotion after a strong showing in Triple-A, where he consistently contributed both at the plate and on the bases. In his debut for the Giants, he made an immediate impact by collecting two hits, scoring twice, stealing a base, and making a key defensive play in right field during a thrilling win. After the game, Johnson expressed how grateful and excited he was for this new opportunity.
This call-up is especially meaningful for Johnson, who had only a brief appearance in the majors last year and spent time with multiple organizations, even playing in the Mexican League earlier this season. His resilience and hard work have paid off, and he now has another chance to prove himself at the highest level with San Francisco.
Daniel Johnson’s Impact in Triple-A and the Mexican League
Before his call-up, Daniel Johnson was making waves in both the Mexican League and Triple-A Sacramento. In Mexico, he showcased his power and consistency, slashing an eye-popping .429 with five home runs in just 41 plate appearances. Upon joining the Giants’ Triple-A affiliate, Johnson continued to impress, hitting .272 with a .312 on-base percentage and a .534 slugging percentage. He added six home runs and five stolen bases, demonstrating the all-around skill set that once made him a top-30 prospect.
Key Stats from 2025 (Pre-Call-Up)
| League | Games | Avg | HR | RBI | OBP | SLG | SB |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Mexican League | 12 | .429 | 5 | 12 | .500 | .857 | 2 |
| Triple-A (SAC) | 38 | .272 | 6 | 22 | .312 | .534 | 5 |
These numbers highlight why the Giants saw value in bringing Daniel Johnson back to the big leagues.
Daniel Johnson’s Role with the San Francisco Giants
The Giants’ decision to promote Daniel Johnson comes amid a period of transition for the team. With LaMonte Wade Jr. struggling at the plate (.167 average over 50 games), the team needed a spark in the outfield. Johnson’s left-handed bat and defensive versatility offer the Giants fresh options as they look to remain competitive in a tightly contested National League West.
Johnson’s journey also serves as a testament to the unpredictable nature of professional sports. Just a year ago, he was a minor league journeyman with a brief, one-game stint for the Orioles. Now, he has a real opportunity to carve out a meaningful role on a major league roster. His story is a reminder that perseverance and hard work can pay off, even when the odds seem stacked against you.
The Human Side: Daniel Johnson’s Resilience and Determination
What sets Daniel Johnson apart is not just his athletic ability, but his resilience. After being designated for assignment, traded for cash, and shuffled through multiple organizations, many players would have considered retirement or a transition to coaching. Instead, Johnson doubled down on his commitment to the game, refining his skills in the Mexican League and Triple-A.
His willingness to adapt—whether by making mechanical adjustments at the plate or embracing new roles in the outfield—has been crucial to his longevity. Johnson’s journey resonates with fans who appreciate the underdog story and the value of persistence in the face of adversity.
The Giants’ Roster Shakeup: What It Means for Daniel Johnson
The Giants’ recent roster moves have created a window of opportunity for Daniel Johnson. By designating LaMonte Wade Jr. and Sam Huff for assignment and signing Dominic Smith, the Giants are signaling a willingness to experiment with their lineup in pursuit of better results. Johnson’s left-handed bat could be a valuable asset, especially against right-handed pitching.
As the Giants navigate the challenges of the 2025 season, Johnson’s versatility and recent hot streak could make him a key contributor. Whether as a starting outfielder or a bench option, his presence adds depth and flexibility to the roster.
Daniel Johnson’s Career Timeline: A Quick Recap
- 2020: MLB debut with Cleveland during the COVID-shortened season.
- 2021: Appeared in 30 games for Cleveland, hitting .221 with four home runs.
- 2022: Traded to the New York Mets for cash considerations.
- 2023-2024: Minor league stints with Nationals, Padres, Orioles; brief MLB appearance with Baltimore.
- 2025: Played in Mexican League, signed with Giants in May, called up to MLB in June.
The Road Ahead: Can Daniel Johnson Stick in the Majors?
The big question now is whether Daniel Johnson can establish himself as a regular contributor for the Giants. His recent performance suggests he has the tools to succeed, but the competition for playing time in San Francisco remains fierce. The Giants’ outfield mix includes veterans and young prospects, all vying for a spot in the lineup.
For Johnson, the key will be consistency—both at the plate and in the field. If he can maintain the power and plate discipline he showed in the minors, he could become a valuable piece for the Giants as they chase a playoff berth.
Daniel Johnson’s Legacy: More Than Just a Comeback
Daniel Johnson’s story is about more than just baseball. It’s about resilience, adaptability, and the refusal to give up on a dream. His journey from top prospect to journeyman to major league contributor is a testament to the unpredictable nature of sports and the power of perseverance.
For fans, Johnson’s return to the majors is a reminder that every player’s path is unique. Some stars shine early and fade quickly; others, like Johnson, find their stride after years of hard work and setbacks. Regardless of what the future holds, Daniel Johnson’s remarkable return in 2025 will be remembered as one of the feel-good stories of the baseball season.
What’s Next for Daniel Johnson?
As the 2025 MLB season unfolds, all eyes will be on Daniel Johnson and the San Francisco Giants. Will Johnson seize this opportunity and make a lasting impact in the majors? Only time will tell, but one thing is certain: Daniel Johnson’s journey is far from over, and baseball fans everywhere will be rooting for his continued success.
Stay tuned for more updates on Daniel Johnson and the latest developments from the Giants as the season progresses. If you’re a fan of comeback stories, grit, and determination, Daniel Johnson’s 2025 season is one you won’t want to miss.
Ready to follow Daniel Johnson’s journey with the Giants? Don’t miss a game—catch the latest updates, highlights, and stories as this remarkable comeback continues to unfold.