3 SF Giants who are already on thin ice entering spring training

Don't look now, but spring training is right around the corner for the SF Giants. Pitchers and catchers will report in a couple weeks and the team's first exhibition game will be on February 21st. While the Giants are not completely done making moves, these three players will already be on thin ice heading to Scottsdale.

San Francisco has had a quiet offseason which makes it seem like the team is going to rely on its younger, more unproven players, at key positions. Some of these players are out of minor league options which is why they need a solid showing in spring training to make the team.

3 SF Giants who need a hot spring training to make the team

Luis Matos

We have all seen flashes from Matos in the past. He will tear the cover off the ball for a week and people will proclaim that he is a lineup fixture for good only to see him cool off and get sent down a week or two later.

If the Giants are going to roll with their internal options in right field next season, then Matos will almost certainly be part of that picture.

However, with no minor league options remaining, Matos still needs to have a solid showing in spring training otherwise the Giants might panic and sign a veteran insurance option like they did with Nick Ahmed when they were unsure about Marco Luciano at shortstop in 2024.

Jerar Encarnacion

In a very similar boat to Matos is outfielder and potential designated hitter Jerar Encarnacion. His exit velocity when he makes contact is something to get excited about, but he was hurt a ton last season, usually right when he was heating up at the plate.

He is out of options as well, and if Bryce Eldridge hits .400 in Scottsdale the Giants will not hesitate to add him to the Opening Day roster over Encarnacion which is why the tall slugger needs a hot spring.

Tyler Fitzgerald

While Fitzgerald was last season's Opening Day second baseman, he enters 2026 with his role very much up in the air. He was demoted after struggling mightily last season as Casey Schmitt assumed duties at second base.

Maybe he could make the team as a utility player who could be put pretty much anywhere on the diamond, but he'd have to hit the snot out of the ball in spring since Christian Koss and Schmitt are both ahead of him on the depth chart.

There will not be a ton of interesting camp battles this spring, but how these three players fare will be fascinating as they try to stake a claim for a spot on the Opening Day roster.