One San Francisco Giants Position Player and Pitcher Who Need to Improve

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Do any of us actually feel confident when we see A-Jax come to the plate with a runner on? I know I had high hopes when the Giants signed him to a two year-$6MM deal this past winter, but he hasn’t quite yet been the all-around productive center fielder I thought they were getting.

Coming off of what seemed like a bounce back 2017 with the Cleveland Indians, where he batted .318 with eight home runs and solid outfield defense, he is struggling this season in an expanded role in San Francisco.

For reference, he has no home runs, is on pace for his worst career OPS, and has been below average defensively. That’s a pretty abysmal output from your center fielder for a team that is looking to compete in the NL West.

Jackson wasn’t necessarily supposed to be the everyday center fielder going into the season, but he simply hasn’t stepped up now that he is.

In terms of competition, Gregor Blanco and Gorkys Hernandez are the other primary active roster options at center field, but both have had to fill in at left field given the injuries to Hunter Pence and Mac Williamson.

When those players get healthy, it wouldn’t surprise me to see either Blanco or Hernandez take reps away from Jackson in center if he continues to struggle. Gorkys has been particularly impressive so far this season.

Next: Former Giant Sergio Romo is a Starter Now; And Why That’s What’s Up

And before you get too excited about prospect Steven Duggar being the answer this season, remember he’s slashing .245/.333/.352 and has only had 234 plate appearances above AA in his career.