On September 9, 2021, Daniel Johnson stepped onto the field for the Cleveland Indians, going 0-for-3 in what appeared to be the final chapter of his MLB career. Once hailed as the team’s No. 21 prospect by MLB Pipeline, Johnson struggled significantly during that season, finishing with a mere .221 batting average across 30 games. His lackluster performance ultimately led to a demotion to Triple-A as Cleveland wrapped up a challenging year.
Fast forward less than a year later, Johnson’s journey took an unexpected turn when he was traded to the New York Mets for cash considerations. This transaction opened the door to a series of events that left him in what could be described as baseball’s wilderness.
However, on Wednesday, Johnson made an impressive return to the big leagues, receiving a call-up from the San Francisco Giants, marking one of the more intriguing transactions of this season. This call-up comes on the heels of him earning MLB playing time for the second consecutive season, having taken a single at-bat for the Orioles last year.
Johnson’s journey into the majors began during the COVID-shortened 2020 season when he stepped onto the diamond with Cleveland, logging five games but finishing with just one hit in 12 at-bats. His tenure with Cleveland included opportunities in 30 games during 2021, where he hit four home runs, but defensive miscues in the outfield hampered his chances of becoming a regular in the lineup.
Following his designation for assignment by the Indians, Johnson signed a minor league contract and found himself traded to the Mets midway through the same season. After a stint with the Mets, he navigated the minor leagues with teams like the Nationals, Padres, and Orioles. This season, he showcased his skills in the Mexican League before joining the Giants, boasting a remarkable .429 average with five home runs over 41 plate appearances and contributing a solid .272/.312/.534 slash line while in Triple-A.
Now, as Johnson joins the Giants, he enters an organization currently undergoing a roster reshuffle. Along with his promotion, the Giants designated LaMonte Wade Jr. and Sam Huff for assignment, while bringing in veteran Dominic Smith and calling up Andrew Knizner from Triple-A. Wade, a fixture in the Giants lineup since 2021, struggled with a .167 average across 50 games this year, leading to his DFA.
For Johnson, this could be a significant opportunity. While he may not have fully found his rhythm in past stints, the Giants are providing him a fresh canvas to showcase his talents. Whether he thrives in this new environment remains to be seen, but one thing is for sure—his resilience is commendable, and he has a chance to carve out a niche in the majors once again.
