Best San Francisco Giants of the 2010s: 34. Michael Morse

Imposing slugger Michael Morse made his presence felt during his short time with the San Francisco Giants.

The San Francisco Giants signed Michael Morse to a one-year, $6 million contract prior to the 2014 season.

A third-round pick by the Chicago White Sox in 2000, he also spent time with the Seattle Mariners, Washington Nationals and Baltimore Orioles before making his way to San Francisco.

It was not until his age-28 season in 2010 that he finally established himself at the MLB level. Splitting time between right field and first base, he hit .289/.352/.519 with 12 doubles and 15 home runs in 293 plate appearances.

The following season, he exploded for 36 doubles, 31 home runs and 95 RBI in his first crack at regular playing time, finishing 19th in NL MVP voting while posting 3.4 WAR.

He joined the San Francisco Giants two years later and immediately became one of the team’s most productive hitters.

In his age-32 season, he hit .279/.336/.475 with 32 doubles, 16 home runs and 61 RBI in 482 plate appearances over 131 games.

His 130 OPS+ trailed only Buster Posey (143) among Giants regulars, and he spent the bulk of the season hitting in the No. 5 spot in the lineup.

He continued to produce in October, going 2-for-4 with a home run in the NLCS and then 4-for-16 with a double and four RBI in the World Series.

He launched a game-tying, pinch-hit home run in the eighth inning of the decisive Game 5 of the NLCS, then drove in two runs in the team’s 3-2 victory over the Kansas City Royals in Game 7 of the World Series.

Just like that, a postseason hero was born.

After spending time with the Miami Marlins and Pittsburgh Pirates, Morse made his way back to the Giants in 2017 on a minor league deal.

He hit .194/.250/.306 with one home runs and three RBI in 40 plate appearances in what would be the final MLB action of his career.

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