SF Giants: Three Potential Switch-Hitting Infield Targets

Three Switch-Hitting Infield Targets for the SF Giants

3. Freddy Galvis

Every time I look at Freddy Galvis‘ Baseball-Reference page, I am surprised that he has not had at least two, separate stints with the Giants during the Brian Sabean and Bobby Evans regime. He just seems like a player who has always made sense for the Giants on paper.

The 31-year-old originally came up with the Philadelphia Phillies but has had stints with the San Diego Padres, Toronto Blue Jays, and Cincinnati Reds. He came over to the Reds in 2019 after being placed on waivers by the Blue Jays.

Galvis is known more for his glove than his bat, but he has developed modest power as his career has progressed. In nine seasons, he has generated a .247/.291/.385 line (82 OPS+) with 95 home runs and 386 RBI. Furthermore, he has eclipsed the ten-home run mark in four of the last five seasons.

Similar to Marwin Gonzalez, the 2020 season was a forgettable one for Galvis as he produced a .712 OPS (86 OPS+) with seven home runs and 16 RBI while being worth 0.3 WAR in 159 plate appearances.

In the field, Galvis spent the bulk of his time at shortstop, but he spent considerable time at second base as well. He was a tick below-average (-1 DRS) at shortstop and a tick above-average (+1 DRS) at second base, so he can competently hold down either position. On top of this, he has major league experience at third base, left field, and center field and he is one of those players who can move around the diamond seamlessly.

Similar to Marwin Gonzalez and Jurickson Profar, Freddy Galvis offers the defensive versatility that the SF Giants need. After underwhelming 2020 campaigns, all players will likely be in the Giants price range. Without many backup infielders capable of playing up the middle of the field, betting on a bounceback from a veteran seems like a potentially valuable proposition.