SF Giants Outright Midseason Acquisition to Triple-A

SF Giants outfielder Luis Alexander Basabe cleared waivers and was outrighted to Triple-A Sacramento. Basabe was designated for assignment last week to open a spot on the 40-man roster spot for free-agent signing Tommy La Stella. All 29 other MLB organizations had an opportunity to claim Basabe and place him on their 40-man roster. Instead, he will remain in the Giants organization.

San Francisco acquired Basabe in exchange for cash considerations from the Chicago White Sox last season. After a short stint at the alternate site in Sacramento, Basabe was promoted and made his MLB debut. He managed a meager 143/.333/.143 batting line in limited playing time, but played premium outfield defense and made a difference on the base paths. He showed a keen eye and worked many good at-bats even when he didn’t reach base.

SF Giants option Luis Alexander Basabe to Triple-A

Once a consensus top-100 prospect, Basabe remains a toolsy outfielder with some projection. For the Giants right now, he offers above-average to plus defense in the outfield corners. However, before 2020, Basabe had never played above Double-A. In seven professional seasons, the 24-year old has posted a .248/.345/.398 line with 40 triples, 44 home runs.

With some exciting young outfielders added to the mix alongside the return of players like Steven Duggar and Austin Slater from injury, Basabe faced an uphill battle to the Opening Day roster. However, out of options, he would have had to be exposed to waivers before playing in the minor leagues. By clearing waivers now, the Giants have ensured they can keep him with their minor league affiliates.

The SF Giants outfield has quickly gone from a question mark to one of the organization’s deepest positions. With Luis Alexander Basabe outrighted to Triple-A, president of baseball operations Farhan Zaidi will have another intriguing young option in the upper minors.