San Francisco Giants 2018 Free Agency Preview: Three Center Fielders to Target

Yeah. Adam Jones is perhaps the second best center fielder option on the open market. Which is funny, considering most teams and executives probably wouldn’t consider him as a full-time center fielder anymore.

But this is the market we were dealt and we will find a fit for Adam Jones somewhere on this already old and expensive roster. First things first, he’s not playing center field. He’s been getting progressively worse in the field over the past three years and history tells us not to bet on a 33 year old reversing that trend.

However, his potentially above average bat could play in the corner, and he could essentially take on the role of McCutchen in the lineup. For instance, last year he still hit .281/.313/.419 with 15 home runs despite being on a hapless Baltimore Orioles team.

While the OBP definitely leaves something to be desired, the Giants could still genuinely make use of that production, although AT&T Park may have something to say about it.

In terms of power, he hit 25 home runs each season from 2011 through 2017, so there may still be potential for improved offensive output if last year was an aberration. Strong chance there isn’t, but for the right price, there could be a fit. He’s also played in at least 137 games in each season since 2010, making him a highly durable addition to a team that struggled with injuries last year.

If the bidding exceeds one year, the Giants should bow out. On a one year deal though, he represents a nice buy low option for 2019. The Giants could even flip him during the season if they’re out of contention, much like they did with McCutchen.

Projected Contract: One Year/$10MM