SF Giants: Three Potential Left-Handed Hitting Infield Targets

Three Left-Handed Hitting Infield Targets for the SF Giants

3. Brock Holt

Brock Holt has seemingly been a Giants target for a couple of years now. On the heels of a rough 2020 campaign, he might be easier to reel in for 2021.

Holt has carved out a very nice career after being drafted in the 9th round of the 2009 draft by the Pittsburgh Pirates. This includes one all-star selection and two World Series championships with the Boston Red Sox.

Since debuting in 2012, the left-handed bat has slashed .268/.337/.369 (91 OPS+) with 114 doubles, 23 home runs, and 211 RBI. While the power numbers are not that impressive, Holt does grind out at-bats as he has posted an 8.7 percent walk rate against a 19.1 percent strikeout rate.

Unlike Brad Miller and Jason Kipnis, Holt has not demonstrated extreme platoon splits (.710 OPS against RHP, .697 OPS against LHP) throughout his career.

The 2020 season was a forgettable one for the 32-year-old, but his performance could be a product of small sample randomness. Holt latched on with the Milwaukee Brewers on a one-year, $2.5 million pact but only collected 36 plate appearances where he generated a .322 OPS before being released.

He caught on with the Washington Nationals to finish out the season where he posted a .668 OPS in 70 plate appearances.

In the field, Holt is extremely versatile. He has played every position except for catcher and the advanced metrics generally have a favorable view of his work at most positions. Yes, he even has 1.1 innings to his ledger on a major league mound.

With a player like Holt, it is not to find a role for him on a major league roster. He can fill in at every position, gives you good at-bats, and can be had on a reasonable contract. He might even be in the market for a minor league deal, so he is well within the Giants’ budget.