Could a non-roster invitee be a darkhorse candidate to make the SF Giants Opening Day roster?

MLB.Com had beat writers for each team highlight a darkhorse candidate to make the Opening Day roster. SF Giants beat writer Maria Guardado identified veteran backstop Max Stassi as a candidate to make San Francisco.

Could a non-roster invitee be a darkhorse candidate to make the SF Giants Opening Day roster?

The catching competition looks a little different than it did when pitchers and catchers first reported. Tom Murphy came into camp healthy after missing most of the 2024 season due to a knee injury.

If he was healthy, the right-handed bat would have served as a natural complement and backup to switch-hitting Patrick Bailey. However, Murphy has missed considerable time throughout his career and he is dealing with another injury. He received an epidural injection after suffering an oblique strain, putting his status for Opening Day in question.

This injury shifts the attention to Sam Huff and Stassi. Huff is already on the 40-man roster after being claimed from the Texas Rangers earlier in the offseason. He is out of minor league options, so if he does not make the team, then the Giants will need to place him on waivers. Perhaps, he clears waivers and sticks with the club.

On the other hand, Stassi is in camp as a non-roster invitee. He has appeared in only five rebab games over the past two years as he tendered to personal matters and a hip injury.

During his 10-year career, Stassi's profile has leaned more on the defensive side. He is not a huge liability in the batter's with a career .656 OPS but he is stronger behind the plate with Giants manager Bob Melvin lauding the experienced catcher for his framing skills.

Stassi will need to perform in spring training to be a candidate to make the club. Otherwise, he might start the year in Sacramento, close to his hometown of Yuba City, California. Of course, Stassi has an opt-out in his deal before the start of spring training. That could pressure the Giants to make a decision.

The Giants will need to consider the delicate balance of depth. Huff and Stassi are the primary depth options behind Patrick Bailey. Logan Porter is in the mix as well.

However, adding Stassi likely could push Huff off of the roster. All this depends on whether they can even rely on Tom Murphy this season. Given his injury history, they should operate as if he could miss some time, meaning Stassi might become a serious candidate. The Giants' bench is not the most versatile group. Can they even keep three catchers on the active roster? That might be a situation they have to consider.