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Five Players the San Francisco Giants Need to Make Room on 40 Man For

By Michael Saltzman

MILWAUKEE, WI - SEPTEMBER 22: Stephen Vogt #12 of the Milwaukee Brewers celebrates a solo home run during the second inning of a game against the Chicago Cubs at Miller Park on September 22, 2017 in Milwaukee, Wisconsin. (Photo by Stacy Revere/Getty Images)
MILWAUKEE, WI - SEPTEMBER 22: Stephen Vogt #12 of the Milwaukee Brewers celebrates a solo home run during the second inning of a game against the Chicago Cubs at Miller Park on September 22, 2017 in Milwaukee, Wisconsin. (Photo by Stacy Revere/Getty Images) /
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SAN DIEGO, CA – AUGUST 15: Rene Rivera #44 of the Los Angeles Angels hits a solo home run during the ninth inning of a baseball game against the San Diego Padres at PETCO Park on August 15, 2018 in San Diego, California. (Photo by Denis Poroy/Getty Images)
SAN DIEGO, CA – AUGUST 15: Rene Rivera #44 of the Los Angeles Angels hits a solo home run during the ninth inning of a baseball game against the San Diego Padres at PETCO Park on August 15, 2018 in San Diego, California. (Photo by Denis Poroy/Getty Images) /

The Giants added several veteran catchers in the off-season to compete with the incumbent, Garcia, for the backup catcher job.

The first move of the Farhan Zaidi era was a catcher, Cameron Rupp, but as Spring Training went on, it was clear that the Giants had better options, and he was traded to the Detroit Tigers for cash considerations.

If the Giants decide to start Garcia in the minors, there are two options for the back up job.

Rene Rivera

Rivera was added in the off-season at the request of part time general manager, Pablo Sandoval.

His experience behind the dish at the major league level and in the National League West with the San Diego Padres, should all play a role in whether the Giants decide to add him to the 25 man roster for Opening Day.

In just 18 spring at bats, Rivera already has six hits, including three doubles and two runs batted in, for a slashline of .333/.400/.500 for an OPS of .900.

Stephen Vogt

Vogt, a former All-Star, is a fan favorite in the Bay Area from his time in Oakland. He is still recovering from major shoulder surgery, and has yet to catch this spring. However, his bat is fully healthy.

In 12 spring at bats, Vogt also has six hits, including two runs batted in, for a slash-line of .500/.571/.500 for an OPS of 1.071. Both Vogt and Rivera may have small sample sizes, but it is clear that both could be nice additions to the 25 man roster.

With Vogt not able to catch yet, it is more likely that he could pass through waivers and accept an assignment in Triple-A.  That becomes the other factor with these non roster decisions, is that players could decide to become free agents again if they don’t make the team.

If Rivera is asked to go to the minors, he might say no and become a free agent.

At the moment, it seems the likeliest scenario is Rivera makes the team, Vogt is designated for assignment with the hopes of not being picked up by another team and accepting an assignment with the Sacramento River Cats and Garcia is sent down because he has options.

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