3 fringe SF Giants players making a strong case for 2026 roster spot

The SF Giants have been going the wrong direction for quite some time now. Every day they get further from a playoff spot which is why it is time to look ahead to 2026 and the players making a case for a roster spot.

Since the All-Star break, the San Francisco Giants have gone 7-15. There haven't been many bright spots in that time, but these are the guys on the fringe who are earning their keep and making a case for a spot on next year's roster.

3 fringe SF Giants players making a strong case for 2026 roster spot

1. Dominic Smith

There aren't enough good things to say about the season Smith is having with the Giants, who at the time of writing this is on a 15-game hit streak. Making the most of his limited playing time, Smith is slashing .280/.343/.416 on the season.

He may not be an All-Star, but his bat has been consistent. In 30 at-bats with runners in scoring position Smith is batting .367, and his average jumps to .667 with the bases loaded (only 3 at-bats).

Rafael Devers and top prospect Bryce Eldridge figure to share time at first base next season. With Wilmer Flores becoming a free agent in 2026, Smith would make sense to bring back as a bench player who can play first base, the corner outfield spots, and can serve as designated hitter if needed.

2. Matt Gage

Matt Gage was drafted by the SF Giants all the way back in 2014 and has been a journeyman ever since. But the left-handed hurler is making a case for why he should be on the 2026 roster.

In 18 innings pitched in 2025, Gage has a 0.00 ERA. Gage started the season with Detroit, but was DFA'd in June. The free agent signed with the Giants on July 2, and was called up from Sacramento two and a half weeks later on July 18.

Since then he has been lights out. In 12.1 innings with the Giants, Gage has allowed only 6 hits. Allowing only a .200 batting average in that time. Gage has a large arsenal of pitches, but mostly sticks to his fastball, and occasionally mixes in a sinker and changeup. He has served at an opener at times and has done well in that role. With only a small sample size, Gage will have to keep dealing the rest of the season and beyond to prove his consistency and earn a spot on next year's team.

3. Joey Lucchesi

Another former Met signed by the Giants, Lucchesi was a free agent signing in the off-season. Starting the season in Triple-A, Lucchesi was called up the day Kyle Harrison and Jordan Hicks were shipped to Boston.

In 20 and 2/3 innings with the Giants, Lucchesi has a 2.18 ERA allowing 18 hits and five runs. With a career 4.01 ERA, Lucchesi has had his ups and downs while struggling with control. Relying on his sinker and curve while mixing in the fastball, he is the definition of a ground ball pitcher. If he can finish out the season strong, he is most likely a lock in the bullpen for next season.

The main concern with all of these players is age. With Smith, Gage, and Lucchesi in their 30's all three may have passed their physical prime. Sometimes guys like Gage and Lucchesi do finally get their chance to prove consistency, but may only serve as a band-aid to a larger problem.

Giants fans want to see them succeed, and there's always a chance that veteran experience and hunger to stay in the league can fuel a late-career resurgence. But the team should be careful with how much they invest in these players given their intangibles. For now, there's hope that with the right usage and support, these players could surprise and contribute meaningful depth to the roster in 2026.

More from Around the Foghorn: