San Francisco Giants Need to Move on From Joe Panik

As the San Francisco Giants evaluate the roster for 2019, we look at why it’s time to move on from Joe Panik at second base.

While Joe Panik has had his moments with the San Francisco Giants, I think it would be best for both parties if they went their separate ways.

I say this with all due respect to Panik, who may be one of my favorite Giants players to watch.

But the main reason why I want the Giants to go in a different direction is because it’s one of the few areas on the infield where the San Francisco Giants can make a major upgrade.

They are pretty much stuck at third, short, first, and catcher. The only other reasonable option would be trading Brandon Belt, but that would send half of the Giants fanbase into anarchy.

In five years and almost 2,000 at-bats with the San Francisco Giants, Panik has a career average of .277 with an OBP of .338.

What I love about Panik is that he’s someone who will put the ball in play. The most he’s struck out in a single season is 54.

On the flip side, the most games that Panik has played in a single season is 138.

For whatever reason, Panik has never been able to stay on the field for the Giants, which is why I think he needs a change of scenery — a fresh start.

I really do want the best for Panik, and I think he can be a solid major league baseball player.

The problem is, the Giants already have a number of solid major league baseball players. We need impact players in this lineup.

I hate to burst the bubble of some fans, but Buster Posey is no longer that MVP-type player — and neither is Evan Longoria.

There aren’t any young players that are ready to come up and set the world on fire either.

In order for the Giant to get that type of production, they’ll have to go outside of the organization.

Moving on from Panik opens up a spot where they can make a major upgrade in the offseason.

I  love the second baseman as much as the next fan, but it’s time for Joe Panik and the San Francisco Giants to split up.