2022/2023 Giants Hot Stove League Depth Charts: Second Base

 Thairo Estrada emerged as the Giants first-string 2B when he wasn't subbing at SS to give Brandon Crawford an occasional rest.  His value may increase without having to improve anything as new rules place a premium on fielding range, particularly at 2B.  

MLB:

Thairo Estrada .260/.322/.400, 14 HR, 21 SB, 541 PA.  Those are close to his career averages.  I think he's the clear favorite of the fanbase but that may be uncertain as long as Tommy La Stella stays on the roster.

Wilmer Flores  .229/.316/.394, 19 HR, 602 PA.  Wilmer was overused and obviously felt pressure to provide power.  Never a great defender at any position, new rules my limit him even more.  That contract extension is not looking so good right now.  Still a useful bat off the bench but probably should have more around 400 PA's than 600.

Ford Proctor .111/.182/.278, 22 PA.  Bats LH and can play C.  Has options so probably destined to be depth in AAA.

Tommy La Stella .239/.282/.350, 195 PA.  Coming off bilateral Achilles tendon surgeries last offseason.  Never seemed completely healthy and mostly DH'd.  Still has 1 year left on backloaded 3-year contract.  Almost certainly does not have the range for 2B with new rules and does not have enough bat for other positions.  Would the Giants consider releasing him and eating the contract?

Jason Vosler and David Villar both played some 2B but 3B is primary position for both.

Notable Second Base Prospects:

AA  Carter Aldrete- .231/.277/.413, 6 HR, 156 PA.  .289/.369/.545, 279 PA in A+ prior to promotion.  Drafted out of college in 2019 so Rule 5 eligible.

AA Brett Auerbach- .220/.311/.398, 17 HR, 12 SB.  UDFA in 2020.  Plays multiple positions including C, but spent most innings at 2B.  Intriguing power/speed combo.  Slumped badly midseason before finishing strong in Aug and Sept.

A+ Hayden Cantrelle- .238/.401/.414, 6 HR, 19 SB, 320 PA(4 levels).  Drafted in 2020 round 5 by the Brewers.  FZ churned Luke Williams to the Marlins for Cantrelle.  Not Rule 5 eligible for another year.

A+ Damon Dues- .384/.539/.500, 13 SB, 214 PA(3 levels).  UDFA signed in August of 2021.  Has a scrappy, underdog feel to him.

A+ Simon Whiteman- .175/.305/.220, 21 SB, 320 PA(2 levels).  Drafted in 2019 so Rule 5 eligible.  Probably at greater risk of being released by the Giants than being drafted.

As you can see, not a whole lot of depth behind Thairo Estrada.  Most 2B are ex-SS's who don't have quite enough arm for SS.  I could see a future with Marco Luciano at 2B and Aeverson Arteaga at SS.