San Francisco Giants 2018 Free Agency Preview: Five Catchers to Target

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SAN FRANCISCO, CA – SEPTEMBER 28: Nick Hundley #5 of the San Francisco Giants is congratulated by third base coach Ron Wotus #23 after hitting a home run against the Los Angeles Dodgers during the second inning at AT&T Park on September 28, 2018 in San Francisco, California. (Photo by Jason O. Watson/Getty Images) /

Nick Hundley

Hundley has spent the last two seasons with the Giants as their backup catcher. After playing on back to back one-year deals, there is talk that he would like to return for a third season.

The Giants certainly know Hundley well, and after winning the Willie Mac Award in 2017 as the team’s most inspirational player, it is clear the locker room and the front office thinks highly of him.

There has also been consistent talk since his arrival that he could be a perfect manager one day.

All of this points to a likely return for the 11-year veteran.

His numbers the last two seasons were consistent, sporting just under a .700 OPS as a Giant. In limited playing time, he has hit 19 home runs and drove in 66 over 197 games played.

With a career OPS of .706, Hundley has remained consistent to his career numbers. That bodes well for a return because the team knows what they will get from the veteran catcher.

The 35-year-old may not continue to be as productive, however, but at $2.5 million last season, he was not making much money compared to the $197 million payroll.

Signing Hundley to another one year deal for around $3-$4 million would make a lot of sense, but any more years or money might be too risky.

The question will be whether the team wants to save that money and give the backup catcher job to Garcia, who would make league minimum in his second season.