Since the end of Brandon Belt's Giants career, they eschewed the traditional "big bat" first baseman in favor of a platoon centered around Lamonte Wade Jr who became on on-base machine but lacked the power you generally want to see from the position. The Giants best prospect, Bryce Eldridge, primarily plays first base but Buster Posey signaled he's pumping the brakes on FZ's pushing prospects. Whether to upgrade the first base position, at least in the short term, is one of Buster's biggest offseason decisions. Here is the current Depth Chart:
MLB:
Lamonte Wade Jr.: .260/.380/.381, 8 HR, 401 PA.
Wilmer Flores: .206/.277/.318, 4 HR, 242 PA.
Jerar Encarnacion: .248/.277/.425, 5 HR, 119 PA.
David Villar: MLB: .257/.270/.457, HR, 37 PA. AAA: .260/.361/.441, 16 HR, 482 PA.
In defense of LMWJ, Oracle Park is still a big time suppressor of home runs. His numbers are about what I think Joey Votto's would be if he played his home games there. On the other hand, LMWJ's second half numbers were subpar by any measure and the right side of the platooned collapsed completely. LMWJ is arbitration eligible. Wilmer will likely pick up his option coming off the IL. Encarnacion showed intriguing power but is a free swinger with a frightful K rate. David Villar has never found traction at the MLB level and is out of options. First base is an obvious upgrade opportunity for Buster Posey.
AAA:
Bryce Eldridge 1B/DH: 4 Levels: .291/.374/.516, 23 HR, 6 SB.
Eldridge blew through 3 levels and mashed at all of them. He's now considered a top prospect ranking #35 on MLB's Top 100. The biggest remaining question seems to be when will he be given the starting first base job in Oracle Park? Before he was fired, FZ stated the Giants would not pursue a top free agent first baseman so as not to block Eldridge. One of Buster Posey's first statements was that Eldridge would be brought up when he was ready, not to meet team needs. Trenton Brooks is listed on the River Cats roster but I am pretty sure he is eligible for minor league free agency.
AA:
Andrew Kachel: A+: .261/.383/.335, 2 HR, 11 SB, 228 PA. AA: .228/.343/.386, 2 HR, 67 PA.
Kachel is listed as a 2B but logged the most innings at 1B. Could be a future utility player but doesn't seem to hit enough to be a starting 1B in MLB. Logan Wyatt is listed as "voluntarily retired."
A+: None
A:
Jeremiah Jenkins: .295/.367/.545, 2 HR, 49 PA.
Jenkins is the Giants 14'th round draft pick in 2024. Classic big, strong, B-L, T-L first baseman. Got off to a great start to his pro career in a small sample.
ACL:
Derwin Laya: .290/.393/.384, 2 HR, 3 SB, 168 PA.
21 yo and third season in ACL.
DSL:
Jesus Alexander: .381/.437/.597, 5 HR, 197 PA.
Angel Guzman: .305/.475/.523, 7 HR, 15 SB, 201 PA.
Two promising 18 yo hitting prospects. Alexander is listed as a C and Guzman OF, but both played mostly 1B. I would think both should be promoted to the ACL for 2025.
Top Available Free Agent First Basemen:
1. Pete Alonso(30 yo)
2. Christian Walker(34 yo)
3. Paul Goldschmidt(37 yo)
4. Carlos Santana(39 yo).
Summary:
After reviewing LMWJ's season stats, particularly his second half, I now believe the Giants should pursue an upgrade at 1B. They desperately need power from any position and Alonso is an elite power hitter. If he's signable, I would not let Bryce Eldridge veto it. While Eldridge is an exciting prospect, no prospect is a sure thing and the universal DH gives more flexibility if there is a logjam at the position. If they can't get Alonso, they should take a serious look at Walker or Goldy on shorter term deals.
Walker seems to be the best option if SF can get him for 3-4 years (paving the way for "El Dridge"); Santana is too old, Goldschmidt's bat declined a lot last year, and Alonso probably wants a 7-10 year deal.
ReplyDeleteNote: From Wiki: "" "Dridge" was a name used for a a fierce, powerful person. The surname Dridge is derived from the Old English word draca or from the Old Danish word draki, which both mean dragon. ""
How about trying Andrew Vaughn in a cheap trade to see if a change of scenery out of dreadful Chicago might finally jump start his career?
ReplyDeleteWade played hurt. Not to say he won't be injured in 2025.
ReplyDeleteThe overpay required for Alonso to come to Oracle will mirror Harper: without a long contract why would he want to come to SF?
Wrong move.
Agree 100% with DOC on 1B..In my opinion, they should move on from all of last years candidates if they can...a short term big money FA or somebody acquired by trade would be perfect as they wait on the Giants big hope ELDRIDGE who just my have a hiccup or two if rushed too much
ReplyDeleteSteveVA
Flores and/or Wade could have bounce-back seasons, but how long can you count on two older veterans with gimpy knees? Assuming Alonzo is out of the Giants’ reach, maybe they could get Walker on a two-year deal? Even that seems like a stretch in this crazy free agent market, though. I’m afraid Buster is going to have to really wheel-and-deal to significantly improve this roster. He’s going to need a great GM.
ReplyDeleteIn Villars defense, though he was hitting when he came up early last year, they shipped him out and he never came back. I'd take his stick over anybody else that you listed at the major league level.
ReplyDeleteYankees are expected to buy out Rizzo for $6MM (instead of paying $17MM) -- how about SFG signs him for 2 years (maybe also with a final year team option)? Can play 1B '25 (maybe he & Flores split majority of 1B & DH service) & become more of a DH whenever Eldridge arrives, giving the team a hopefully-reviving lefty power bat and a popular & experienced winner to have around, maybe some mentorship of rising lefty power bat & 1B novice Eldridge in the bargain
ReplyDelete