The San Francisco Giants’ decision to release Nick Ahmed has not played out as they might have hoped. Since being cut on July 10, Ahmed has joined National League West rivals and is now set to play for the San Diego Padres. The Padres, currently six games behind the NL West leaders but holding a two-game lead in the Wild Card race, announced Ahmed’s signing to a minor-league deal on Sunday. He has been assigned to their Arizona Complex League team.
Before his arrival in San Diego, Ahmed spent time with the Los Angeles Dodgers. He joined the Dodgers after leaving the Giants, where he played 17 games and posted a .229/.245/.292/.537 line with one home run and two RBIs. Although he provided reliable defense, his role became less critical after the Dodgers activated Tommy Edman and Max Muncy from the injured list. The Dodgers designated Ahmed for assignment on August 19. After clearing waivers, Ahmed declined a Triple-A assignment and opted for free agency.
Ahmed’s tenure with the Giants, where he played 52 games, was marked by a .232/.278/.303/.581 batting line, including six doubles, one triple, one home run, and 15 RBIs. His performance was further hampered by a wrist injury, which landed him on the IL from May 10 to June 14. The Giants’ decision to release him paved the way for Tyler Fitzgerald, who has excelled at shortstop since taking over the role.
Ahmed, a former two-time Gold Glove winner with the Arizona Diamondbacks, was designated for assignment by Arizona due to declining offensive numbers and the emergence of top prospect Jordan Lawler. Drafted by the Atlanta Braves in the second round of the 2011 MLB Draft, Ahmed made a significant impact with the Diamondbacks, becoming the franchise’s first player to spend ten seasons with the team. Despite injury setbacks in 2016 and 2017, Ahmed enjoyed his best offensive season in 2019, hitting .254/.316/.437/.753 with career highs in home runs (19) and RBIs (82).