SF Giants: Could Hunter Pence join NBCSBA broadcasts?

According to a report by Steve Berman of The Athletic, NBC Sports Bay Area is “targeting” former SF Giants outfielder Hunter Pence to join the network as a studio analyst. Of course, the longtime Giant star retired last year after struggling in a reunion with the organization. While Pence played for multiple organizations throughout his career, he made clear upon his retirement that he considered himself a Giant above all else.

Berman notes that Pence would immediately become the most popular studio analyst NBC Sports Bay Area has had covering Giants games since the network acquired the rights to their games. While Pence was one of the few key members of the franchise’s dynasty from 2010-2014 not drafted and developed by the organization, his unique style and charisma quickly ingratiated himself with fans across the Bay Area.

NBC Sports Bay Area is reportedly targeting SF Giants great Hunter Pence.

Drafted by the Houston Astros in 2004, Pence made his big-league debut with Houston in 2007. After four-and-a-half seasons with the ‘Stros, the Philadelphia Phillies traded a collection of prospects to add the veteran outfielder. However, just a year later, they found themselves in the midst of a rebuild of their own and shipped Pence to San Francisco for outfielder Nate Schierholtz, catching prospect Tommy Joseph, and pitching prospect Seth Rosin.

Pence joined the Giants in the middle of the 2012 season and became a pivotal part of the 2012 and 2014 World Series champion teams. After signing a five-year extension to stay in San Francisco, Pence served as a primary corner outfielder through 2018. Over his 14-year MLB career, Pence hit .279/.334/.461 with 244 home runs and 942 runs batted in.

While it’s hard to know if Hunter Pence is interested in a television analyst role, SF Giants fans would surely love to see one of their favorites back on broadcasts. Perhaps, as Steve Berman of The Athletic reports, he could be joining NBC Sports Bay Area’s coverage of Giants’ baseball soon.