2 former SF Giants struggling in spring training, 2 who are succeeding

Spring training is drawing to a close soon and the SF Giants are getting ready for Opening Night against the New York Yankees. Several roster battles are coming down to the wire. Looking around the league, it is fun to check in on some old friends to see how they are doing in spring training.

There are several former Giants who appear to be thriving with their new teams while some are not making a great impression in camp so far.

Former SF Giants who are thriving, and struggling, in spring training

Mike Yastrzemski

Let’s start with the guys who are doing well. Mike Yastrzemski signed a two-year, $23 million deal with the Atlanta Braves in the offseason. With the way he is hitting the ball down in Florida, that contract may end up looking like a steal.

In 23 at-bats, Yastrzemski has 10 hits including four home runs and a double. He’s been on fire and it would not be a surprise if he puts up some impressive power numbers this season now that he won’t be playing half of his games at Oracle Park.

Kai-Wei Teng

Not too many fans were heartbroken when the Giants traded Kai-Wei Teng to the Houston Astros in the offseason. He showed some promise last season, but his 6.37 ERA in 30 innings pitched certainly left a lot to be desired.

He seems to have found a nice opportunity in Houston, though. In spring training he has a 3.12 ERA in 8 and 2/3 innings. He should make the team and even has aspirations to be in the rotation so maybe he’s found a good spot for himself.

Now let’s turn to some former Giants who have struggled.

Thairo Estrada

A couple of years ago, Thairo Estrada was one of the best all-around players on the Giants. Maybe that says more about those teams than it does about him, but he was a legitimately solid player.

He hit for average, had a little pop, was a solid defender, and was quick on the bases. He was also respected by his teammates and won the Willie Mac Award in 2023.

The Giants moved on from him after 2024 and he found a new home with the Colorado Rockies last season where he slashed .253/.285/.370 across 39 games.

He landed with the Baltimore Orioles in February who signed him to add some depth in the infield as they deal with some injuries. He has just two hits in 22 at-bats so he is unlikely to make the team.

Joc Pederson

It’s been a roller coaster ride for Joc Pederson in recent years. He was great for the Giants in 2022, had a down year in San Francisco in 2023, had a resurgent year with the Arizona Diamondbacks in 2024, and then was simply dreadful for the Texas Rangers last season, slashing .181/.285/.328 in 96 games.

He’s not off to a better start this year with the Rangers in spring training as he has just four hits in 24 at-bats. Not what he was looking for coming off a down year.

It’s just spring training so these starts may not mean a ton in the regular season, but it’s still fun to keep tabs on some old friends.