Every Spring Training produces a surprise story — and this year in San Francisco, Trevor McDonald might be that story.
The 25-year-old right-hander has quietly emerged as one of the most impressive pitchers in Giants camp, delivering outing after outing that is making it harder for the coaching staff to ignore him.
And his latest performance only added more fuel to the conversation.
Facing the Chicago White Sox, McDonald tossed four innings, allowing just two runs in a game that ultimately ended in a 3–3 tie. While the runs came from two solo home runs by Lenyn Sosa and Derek Hill, the overall performance still reinforced the growing belief that McDonald could play a meaningful role for the Giants this season.
In fact, despite those two runs, McDonald’s overall numbers this spring remain extremely impressive.
Across 10 innings in Cactus League play, he has posted a 1.80 ERA with 11 strikeouts, demonstrating both command and confidence on the mound.
For McDonald, the key is simple: stay aggressive.
“I’m happy with it,” he said about his spring performance. “Obviously, you don’t want to give up runs, but that’s unrealistic. It’s going to happen. I just focus on pounding the zone and competing.”
That mindset has served him well.
McDonald entered this spring already carrying some momentum. Late last season, he made three appearances for the Giants — including two starts — and finished with a 1.80 ERA, showing glimpses of the potential the organization saw when developing him.
Those appearances helped ignite his confidence heading into camp.
“Coming into this spring, it makes you hungry to get back up there,” McDonald said. “It definitely gave me confidence and encouragement after how last season ended.”
Still, cracking the Giants’ starting rotation will not be easy.
San Francisco already appears to have its five starters lined up: Logan Webb, Robbie Ray, Landen Roupp, Tyler Mahle, and Adrian Houser.
But McDonald’s strong performances have opened another possible path.
The bullpen.
Manager Tony Vitello revealed that McDonald’s name keeps coming up during roster discussions among the coaching staff.
“In a fun fashion, we argue and debate and throw out theories,” Vitello said. “He’s probably the guy that gets talked about the most when we’re trying to figure things out.”
That attention speaks volumes.
Vitello has also been impressed by McDonald’s competitive personality and intensity on the mound.
“He’s a bulldog,” the manager said. “You see the emotion, but when you’re around him in the dugout or bullpen, you realize how driven he is.”
Another factor helping McDonald’s case is his improved velocity.
During a February outing against the Oakland Athletics, McDonald reached 97.2 mph, a noticeable jump from the 93 mph average sinker he threw last season.
The improvement didn’t happen by accident.
McDonald credits better sleep habits, recovery routines, and offseason conditioning for helping him unlock extra power in his arm.
“It’s always been there,” he explained. “I’ve just been more intentional about my preparation this offseason.”
Now, as Opening Day approaches, the Giants face a decision.
Do they send McDonald back to the minors for more development — or reward one of the hottest pitchers in camp with a roster spot?
Either way, one thing is becoming clear in Giants camp:
Trevor McDonald is no longer flying under the radar.
