As the Milwaukee Brewers gear up for their second season under manager Pat Murphy, they reflect on a highly successful 2024 campaign. Despite an unfortunate ending, the team dominated the NL Central, finishing with an impressive 93-69 record—an entire 10 games ahead of their closest rival.
Looking ahead to 2025, one of Milwaukee’s former first-round picks is now stepping into a major career opportunity.
Ethan Small Gets Another Shot With the Giants
According to Matthew Postins of Sports Illustrated, the San Francisco Giants acquired pitcher Ethan Small from the Brewers a year ago in exchange for cash considerations. Though his impact has been minimal thus far, Small is now poised for a fresh start. He has received a non-roster invitation to Major League spring training in Scottsdale, Arizona, where he’ll compete among 14 invited pitchers.
After being designated for assignment by the Brewers, Small’s transition to San Francisco got off to a rocky start. A moderate oblique strain kept him sidelined at the beginning of the season. However, the Giants activated him in August, assigning him to Triple-A Sacramento, where he appeared in 14 minor-league games (including three starts). Despite a 4.35 ERA over 13 innings, with 16 strikeouts and two walks, he remains a work in progress.
Now re-signed on a minor-league deal in December, Small has another chance to prove himself in 2025. With spring training on the horizon, this could be the defining moment in his career.
