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San Francisco Giants: 10 best second basemen in franchise history

By Joel Reuter
20 Oct 2001: Jeff Kent #21 of the San Francisco Giants swings for the bleachersduring the game against the Houston Astros at Pac Bell Park in San Francisco, California. The Astros defeated the Giants 5-4.Mandatory Credit: Tom Hauck /Allsport
20 Oct 2001: Jeff Kent #21 of the San Francisco Giants swings for the bleachersduring the game against the Houston Astros at Pac Bell Park in San Francisco, California. The Astros defeated the Giants 5-4.Mandatory Credit: Tom Hauck /Allsport /
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20 Oct 2001: Jeff Kent #21 of the San Francisco Giants swings for the bleachers during the game against the Houston Astros at Pac Bell Park in San Francisco, California. The Astros defeated the Giants 5-4.Mandatory Credit: Tom Hauck /Allsport /

1. Jeff Kent (1997-2002), San Francisco Giants

Stats: 136 OPS+, .297/.368/.535, 1,021 H, 175 HR, 689 RBI, 570 R
WAR: 31.5 rWAR/30.9 fWAR
Accolades: 1x MVP, 3x All-Star, 3x Silver Slugger
WS Titles: 0

While Larry Doyle, Frankie Frisch and Robby Thompson all had more total WAR during their time with the Giants, Jeff Kent earns the No. 1 spot for his peak-level performance and superior offensive production.

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The Giants acquired Kent from the Cleveland Indians on Nov. 13, 1996, along with right-hander Julian Tavarez and infielder Jose Vizcaino, in exchange for star third baseman Matt Williams.

It was hard to see the homegrown Williams sent packing, but the deal turned out to be a huge win for the Giants.

After averaging 17 home runs and 67 RBI in the four seasons prior to the trade, Kent exploded for 38 doubles, 29 home runs and 121 RBI in his first season with the Giants.

That proved to be the start of something big.

He ended up tallying at least 22 home runs and 101 RBI in each of his six seasons with the team, including his peak in 2000 when he hit .334/.424/.596 with 41 doubles, 33 home runs and 125 RBI to win NL MVP.

He departed in free agency following the 2002 season and played six more seasons with the Houston Astros and Los Angeles Dodgers.

Next. 10 best first basemen in franchise history

Will the Giants ever have a better second baseman? Only time will tell.

All stats courtesy of Baseball Reference and FanGraphs, unless otherwise noted.

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