2 former SF Giants who snuck onto an Opening Day roster, 2 who were cut

Spring training is all done and the regular season is nearly upon us. The SF Giants play their first game that actually counts on Wednesday night against the New York Yankees, but let's take a look around the league to see if some old friends made their way onto an Opening Day roster.

It can be hard for a fringe player to earn their way onto a roster. Not only does it require getting hot in spring, but sometimes it requires other players going cold or an untimely injury. Let's start with two guys who did enough to make the cut.

Former SF Giants players who clawed their way onto Opening Day roster

Michael Conforto

Giants fans will remember outfielder Michael Conforto from his two decent seasons with the team back in 2023 and 2024. He joined the Los Angeles Dodgers in 2025 and did not have all that great of a season but he always seemed to do well against the Giants.

He signed with the Chicago Cubs in the offseason looking to make the club and didn't tear the cover off the ball in Arizona by any stretch, recording nine hits in 33 at-bats including four doubles, but it was enough to make the squad.

A big part of that had to do with Forever Giant Tyler Austin and Seiya Suzuki getting hurt so their injuries opened the door for Conforto.

Dominic Smith

Last season, first baseman Dominic Smith played a huge role for the Giants. There were stretches when he was the best hitter on the team and his defense at first base was superb. It was a surprise that he went unsigned for so long in the offseason, but the Atlanta Braves eventually gave him a minor-league contract.

Smith took advantage as he slashed .278/.366/.389 with one home run and five runs batted in. That was enough for Smith to make the team where he will be reunited with Giants favorite Mike Yastrzemski who had a great spring for Atlanta.

Now let's turn to two former Giants who did not earn a spot with their new club.

Austin Slater

There was a time when Austin Slater was one of the best role-players in baseball. He mashed lefties with the Giants and was the perfect platoon bat, but he fell off at the plate in 2024 and has bounced around from team to team ever since.

He slashed .267/.389/.467 with one home run and four runs batted in during spring training in Florida but that was not enough to make Detroit's roster.

LaMonte Wade Jr.

Once a fan-favorite in San Francisco known for his late-night heroics, Wade has been struggling to regain his old form after a very tough 2025 season.

Wade actually had a really strong showing in spring training, slashing .289/.429/.605 with three home runs and nine runs driven in. Yet, the Chicago White Sox still decided to cut him. Maybe another team will give him a chance after that strong showing, though.