I like the addition of Jung Hoo Lee at the top of the lineup for 2024. He should be a solid everyday player with good defense in centerfield. Lee is signed for six years (through 2029) but has an opt-out after four. The only other player with a commitment from the team that long is Logan Webb who is signed through 2028. Jorge Soler will be the everyday DH. He's on a three-year deal. He should bring The Big Stick the Giants have been lacking. LaMonte Wade, Jr. will man first base and likely hit third against righties with Wilmer Flores spelling him against lefties. Matt Chapman is also on a three-year deal but can opt-out next year. He brings a solid bat and superb defense at third base. Michael Conforto and Mike Yastrzemski will handle the outfield corners with Austin Slater getting starts against southpaws and coming in for defense. Thairo Estrada will man second base. Offensively it is an above-average group.
At the bottom of the lineup will be catcher Patrick Bailey who was the best fielder in baseball last year. Backup Tom Murphy supplies some offense at the position. It remains to be seen how the young switch-hitting Bailey will fare with the bat this season. Nick Ahmed supplies the glove at shortstop but is not a hitter (.234/.288/.376 career line). Marco Luciano did not make the cut this spring but remains an option.
Tyler Fitzgerald, a 2019 4th-rounder from Louisville, looks like the guy for the final bench spot. He's listed as a third baseman and a centerfielder. He flashed some pop at AA and AAA. I'm eager to see what he can do.
The 2024 Giants should be better than the 2022 and 2023 Giants. The only problem is that there are three other tough clubs in the NL West (LA, AZ, SD) and all of them have made big moves in the off-season. It's going to be a battle for a playoff spot but I think the Giants have a good group and a real shot to make the post-season.
They open tomorrow in San Diego. Logan Webb will face Yu Darvish at 1:10 PT. Unfortunately I will be "away from my desk" for the next several days and I'm not sure if I will get to post in a timely manner. Regardless, be sure to chime in on the comments.
GO GIANTS!
--M.C.
1 comment:
So what happens to Bart? I almost thought due to Bailey's hand injury, that he might not be ready, and that Bart may get the initial nod. I still think Bart has significant value and I am not sure what the giants are doing in that regard.
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