The Houston Astros have added another experienced outfielder to their organizational depth chart, signing veteran Trenton Brooks to a minor-league contract. Although the club has not formally announced the move, Brooks made his debut with Triple-A Sugar Land on Wednesday, signaling the completion of the agreement.
Brooks returns to affiliated baseball after spending the first part of the 2026 season overseas in South Korea’s KBO League. The 30-year-old outfielder joined the Kiwoom Heroes after signing a one-year contract in December 2025.
However, his stint abroad did not unfold as planned. In 41 games, Brooks struggled offensively, posting a .217 batting average with a .286 on-base percentage and a .259 slugging percentage. He drove in 16 runs and added one stolen base but was unable to provide the level of production the Heroes expected.
Because KBO teams have a limited number of roster spots available for foreign players, Kiwoom elected to move on from Brooks in May. The organization released him to create room for former major leaguer Keston Hiura, ending Brooks’ brief overseas experience and allowing him to seek opportunities elsewhere.
For Houston, the signing represents a low-cost, low-risk move that could potentially provide additional outfield depth. The Astros have recently been searching for left-handed hitters who can offer versatility and depth throughout the organization. Earlier this month, the club signed veteran outfielder LaMonte Wade Jr. to a major-league contract. However, Wade’s stay on the active roster was short-lived after he suffered a hamstring injury that resulted in a trip to the injured list. His absence led to Joey Loperfido receiving another opportunity in the majors.
Within the Triple-A ranks, Brooks joins a group that already includes left-handed-hitting outfielders CJ Alexander and Zach Cole. His addition gives the Astros another experienced option capable of contributing if injuries or roster needs arise later in the season.
Brooks originally entered professional baseball when he was selected by the Cleveland Indians in the 17th round of the 2016 MLB Draft out of the University of Nevada, Reno. Over the years, he worked his way through the minor leagues and eventually reached the majors.
His major-league experience has been limited, spanning 37 games across two seasons. Brooks made his MLB debut with the San Francisco Giants in 2024, appearing in 12 games and posting a .120 batting average. He later spent time with the San Diego Padres during the 2025 season, appearing in 25 contests. Across those games, he hit .146 with a .186 on-base percentage and a .268 slugging mark. His lone major-league home run came on June 17, 2025, when he connected against Los Angeles Dodgers pitcher Matt Sauer.
While Brooks has struggled to establish himself offensively at the major-league level, his minor-league track record has been significantly more impressive. Across more than 2,000 Triple-A plate appearances, he owns a strong .279/.382/.472 slash line. Some of his best seasons included a standout 2023 campaign with Las Vegas and an excellent 2025 performance with El Paso.
If Brooks can rediscover that form in Sugar Land, the Astros may have found a valuable depth piece capable of contributing later in the season.
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