1st spring training lineup for SF Giants highlights key camp battle

Spring training is finally here. The SF Giants dropped their first lineup a day early, headlined by a few familiar faces and many young players. This includes Brett Wisely and Casey Schmitt as they compete for the backup infielder role.

1st spring training lineup for SF Giants highlights key camp battle

Our own Nick San Miguel looked at the top camp battles to follow this spring with backup infielder at the top of the list. The Giants did not really add much competition to the mix in terms of non-roster invites, so there is a good chance that one of Schmitt or Wisely will be on the Opening Day roster.

Interestingly, Osleivis Basabe was also in the lineup at shortstop. He was recently acquired in a minor trade with the Tampa Bay Rays. Basabe has experience all over the field but is lower on the infield depth chart compared to Schmitt or Wisely.

Schmitt and Wisely will likely see a lot of time in the Cactus League this spring as the coaching staff evaluates both for the utility infielder role. Both bring something a little different to the table.

The Giants' projected infield alignment leans heavily on right-handed hitters with Matt Chapman, Willy Adames, and Tyler Fitzgerald. LaMonte Wade Jr. and Patrick Bailey are the only infielders who hit from the left side.

There is some level of exposure risk by not having a left-handed-hitting infielder on the roster and this is where Wisely comes into play. He is arguably the team's best defensive infielder among the players competing for the utility role and can put up above-average defense at both shortstop and second base. He has limited experience at third base and the outfield as well.

On the left side of the infield, the Giants may not need a ton of coverage because of how durable Matt Chapman and Willy Adames have been throughout their respective careers. There just might not be many opportunities for playing time. However, a utility glove that can handle a couple of different positions gives the Giants flexibility.

Wislely does not bring much to the table offensively as he has posted a .582 OPS across two seasons. That said, he was much better at the plate in 2024 compared to 2023 and is still on the younger side. The ability to play multiple positions well and hit from the left side gives the 25-year-old infielder a couple of notches on his belt.

On the other hand, Schmitt's best position is third base but Chapman will be holding down that position for a long time. He has seen more time at shortstop and second base over the past couple of years. His defense at shortstop could use some work but second base might be the only avenue for playing time with the Giants.

Tyler Fitzgerald is penciled in as the team's second baseman. He had an incredible stretch in the middle of the year but slumped as the season progressed. If he does not rebound, then Schmitt is not a bad insurance option. That is a conversation for a different day.

Compared to Wisely, Schmitt offers more offensive upside and power. He has made modest improvements in terms of plate discipline and will need to continue improving in that area of the game. The right-handed bat had a nice finish to the year, recording nine hits in 21 at-bats in the final month.