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Best San Francisco Giants of the 2010s: 40. Sam Dyson

By Joel Reuter

DENVER, COLORADO - MAY 09: Pitcher Sam Dyson #49 of the San Francisco Giants throws at in the eighth inning against the Colorado Rockies at Coors Field on May 08, 2019 in Denver, Colorado. (Photo by Matthew Stockman/Getty Images)
DENVER, COLORADO - MAY 09: Pitcher Sam Dyson #49 of the San Francisco Giants throws at in the eighth inning against the Colorado Rockies at Coors Field on May 08, 2019 in Denver, Colorado. (Photo by Matthew Stockman/Getty Images) /
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Reliever Sam Dyson proved to be an excellent buy-low addition for the San Francisco Giants.

The San Francisco Giants acquired Sam Dyson from the Texas Rangers in exchange for minor league outfielder Hunter Cole on June 6, 2017.

He was originally drafted by the Toronto Blue Jays in 2010 and was claimed off waivers by the Miami Marlins before joining the Texas Rangers at the trade deadline in 2015.

After a strong showing down the stretch in Texas where he posted a 1.15 ERA with two saves and 12 holds in 31 appearances, he emerged as the team’s closer during the following season.

Dyson converted 38-of-43 save chances with a 2.43 ERA and 1.22 WHIP in 73 appearances in 2016, helping the Rangers win an AL West title in the process.

He stumbled out of the gates the following year with a 10.80 ERA and four blown saves in 17 appearances before he was designated for assignment, and the San Francisco Giants front office made the brilliant decision to buy low.

The 29-year-old saved 14 games in 17 chances down the stretch with a 4.03 ERA in 38 appearances, and he was a reliable setup option in 2018 and 2019:

  • 2018: 74 G, 3 SV, 15 HLD, 2.69 ERA, 1.08 WHIP
  • 2019: 49 G, 2 SV, 17 HLD, 2.47 ERA, 0.90 WHIP

He was traded to the Minnesota Twins at this year’s trade deadline with a year of team control remaining in exchange for prospects Jaylin Davis, Kai-Wei Teng and Prelander Berroa.

Here’s a look at their 2019 numbers:

  • Jaylin Davis (AA/AAA): 516 PA, .310/.403/.609, 62 XBH (35 HR), 92 RBI
  • Kai-Wei Teng (A): 72.2 IP, 1.49 ERA, 0.98 WHIP, 20 BB, 77 K
  • Prelander Berroa (Rk/A-): 45.0 IP, 5.80 ERA, 1.49 WHIP, 26 BB, 51 K

Davis could see the majors before the season is over thanks to his stellar numbers in the upper levels of the minors, and it will be interesting to see if he can carve out a long-term role.

Meanwhile, Dyson has struggled to an 8.59 ERA in eight appearances following the trade, and it looks like the Giants made the right decision to sell high.

Next. 41. Andrew McCutchen

Check back here regularly as we count down the 50 best San Francisco Giants of the 2010s.

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