Derek Law is a professional baseball pitcher who made his MLB debut in 2016 with the San Francisco Giants. Born on September 14, 1990, in Pittsburgh, Pennsylvania, he grew up in a sports-oriented family and developed a passion for baseball early on. He attended Bishop McCort High School in Johnstown, Pennsylvania, where he was a standout pitcher and infielder. After high school, he went on to play college baseball at Miami Dade College in Florida, a junior college known for producing talented players, before transferring to the University of Florida. However, his college career was interrupted by an elbow injury that required Tommy John surgery, a setback that would shape his early professional path.
Despite the injury, the San Francisco Giants saw enough potential in Law and selected him in the 31st round of the 2011 MLB Draft. That is a low round by any standard, but Law’s determination and work ethic helped him climb through the minor leagues over the next several years.
Law’s road to the majors was not a straight line. After being drafted, he spent his first professional season with the Giants’ rookie-level affiliate, the Arizona League Giants. He posted a 1.80 ERA in 10 innings, showing early promise. Over the next few seasons, he moved up the ladder, pitching for the Salem-Keizer Volcanoes, the Augusta GreenJackets, and the San Jose Giants. His fastball command and a developing slider began to catch the attention of scouts, and by 2015 he had reached Double-A and Triple-A.
In 2015, Law pitched for the Richmond Flying Squirrels (Double-A) and the Sacramento River Cats (Triple-A), combining for a 2.76 ERA over 62 innings with 73 strikeouts. That performance earned him a spot on the Giants’ 40-man roster after the season, and he entered 2016 with a chance to make his big league debut.
Derek Law made his MLB debut on April 15, 2016, against the Los Angeles Dodgers. He pitched a scoreless inning, striking out one batter. For the remainder of the 2016 season, Law became a reliable option out of the Giants’ bullpen. He appeared in 61 games, posting a 2.13 ERA with 64 strikeouts in 55 innings. He was especially effective against right-handed hitters, holding them to a .199 batting average. His slider was a key weapon, and his ability to induce ground balls helped limit damage.
That season, Law was part of a Giants bullpen that included veteran closer Santiago Casilla, setup man Javier López, and emerging arms like Hunter Strickland. Law’s performance earned him a 0.6 WAR (Wins Above Replacement) and he became a fan favorite for his gritty pitching style and his thick beard, which gave him a rugged look on the mound.
Unfortunately, the 2017 season was a different story. Law struggled with a right elbow strain early in the year, landing him on the disabled list. He never fully regained his previous form, posting a 5.43 ERA in 30 appearances. He also dealt with a finger blister issue that affected his grip. The Giants sent him back and forth between the majors and Triple-A, and by the end of the season, his role had diminished.
In 2018, Law continued to battle injuries. He spent time on the disabled list with a right forearm strain, and when he was healthy, he was not as sharp. He appeared in only 20 games for the Giants, with a 4.91 ERA. The Giants eventually designated him for assignment in November 2018, and he elected free agency.
Law’s journey did not end with the Giants. In January 2019, he signed a minor league contract with the Toronto Blue Jays. He began the 2019 season in Triple-A Buffalo, but earned a call-up to the big leagues in April. With the Blue Jays, Law showed flashes of his old self, posting a 4.76 ERA in 30 appearances, but again struggled with consistency. He was released by Toronto in July 2019.
After a brief stint in the Miami Marlins organization in 2020, Law signed with the Minnesota Twins in 2021. He pitched for the Twins’ Triple-A affiliate but did not appear in an MLB game that season. In 2022, he joined the Oakland Athletics, but again spent most of his time in the minors. He made a single appearance for the Athletics in 2022, allowing two runs in one inning.
Law is a right-handed pitcher who relies primarily on a four-seam fastball that sits in the low to mid-90s, a slider, and a changeup. His slider is his best secondary pitch, generating a high whiff rate against right-handed hitters. He also uses a sinker to induce ground balls. When he is healthy and commanding his pitches, Law can be an effective middle reliever who can handle high-leverage situations.
However, his control has sometimes been an issue. His walk rate has fluctuated, and when he falls behind in the count, hitters can sit on his fastball. His career MLB statistics show a 4.19 ERA, 1.33 WHIP, and 8.6 strikeouts per nine innings over 180 appearances.
After his last MLB appearance in 2022, Law continued to pitch in independent leagues. In 2023, he played for the Long Island Ducks of the Atlantic League, a highly competitive independent league where former MLB players often work to stay in shape or earn another chance. He also served as a player-coach, sharing his experience with younger players.
His perseverance and willingness to adapt have made him a respected figure in the baseball community. Many young pitchers look up to his journey, knowing that even a 31st-round pick can make it to the majors and pitch for several seasons.
**Is Derek Law still playing baseball?**
As of 2025, Derek Law is no longer on an MLB roster, but he has continued to play in independent leagues and may be exploring coaching opportunities. His playing career is winding down, but he remains active in the game.
**What team did Derek Law play for most recently?**
His most recent MLB team was the Oakland Athletics in 2022. He also pitched for the Long Island Ducks in 2023.
**Why did Derek Law leave the Giants?**
Derek Law was designated for assignment by the Giants after the 2018 season due to a combination of injuries and inconsistent performance. The Giants needed to open roster spots, and Law was out of options.
**What is Derek Law’s career ERA?**
His career MLB ERA is 4.19 over 180 appearances, spanning parts of five seasons (2016–2022).
**Did Derek Law ever win a World Series?**
No, Derek Law never won a World Series. His only postseason appearance came in 2016 with the Giants, but they were eliminated in the NL Division Series by the Chicago Cubs.
Derek Law’s story is a reminder that not every big league career is a straight line to stardom. He was a late-round draft pick who overcame Tommy John surgery, climbed through the minors, and enjoyed a strong rookie season. Injuries then derailed his momentum, but he continued to fight for opportunities across multiple organizations. He exemplifies the resilience required to stay in professional baseball, even when the odds are stacked against you.
For fans looking to understand the journey of a middle reliever, Law’s career offers a realistic look at the highs and lows. He has experienced the thrill of a scoreless inning in a packed stadium, the frustration of a disabled list stint, and the uncertainty of free agency. Through it all, he kept throwing.
Derek Law may not be a household name, but he is a player who has left a mark on the game through hard work and persistence. Whether you are a Giants fan who remembers his breakout 2016 season, a Blue Jays supporter who saw him in a relief role, or simply a baseball enthusiast curious about career arcs, Law’s story is worth knowing. As he transitions into the next phase of his life, his experience on the mound and his ability to adapt will likely serve him well, whether in coaching, mentoring, or another role within baseball.
If you have followed his career, you know that Derek Law is more than just a name on a roster—he is a testament to the idea that talent, combined with tenacity, can keep a player in the game longer than anyone expected.