Padres utility player elects free agency after big Triple-A season

Thanks for the memories, Trenton Brooks. The 30-year-old utility man, after a rollercoaster season with the San Diego Padres that saw him get designated for assignment, has elected free agency following the 2025 campaign.

Brooks played in 90 games with Triple-A El Paso, and 25 games at the major league level. A solid player, it made sense for Brooks to test the waters as the Padres will look to rebuild following a disappointing year.

Trenton Brooks decides to part ways with San Diego Padres after solid 2025 season in Triple-A

In Triple-A, Brooks logged an .879 OPS behind 39 extra-base hits, 64 walks, and 68 RBIs. Unfortunately for him, that success did not translate over to the majors, as he coughed up a .146/.186/.268 line with one home run.

Though he was unable to get consistent playing time in San Diego, he ended this season on a high note with the Chihuahuas. He produced three multi-hit games in his final six contests of the year, signifying to other teams that he can still provide value.

Not only was he strong at the plate, Brooks played first base, center field, and left field in the minor leagues this season. Perhaps a rebuilding team would benefit from having Brooks on their roster, but there is simply no room for him in San Diego. This past season, for instance, the Friars had guys like Gavin Sheets and Ryan O'Hearn fighting for spots in the starting lineup, and they are far more successful than Brooks. He just didn't have any real opportunity for a consistent chance to play.

This is the first domino to fall for the Padres as they are eager to regroup for a stronger 2026 campaign. Padres President of Baseball Operations AJ Preller always has something up his sleeve, so him already making some room for another player should have fans on the edge of their seat with excitement. Preller doesn't seem to be wasting any time. We wish Brooks well.