Could Casey Schmitt start seeing time at a new position with the SF Giants?

Casey Schmitt has become an indispensable bat in the lineup, and they are searching for ways to keep getting him at-bats. Tony Vitello hinted to John Shea of The San Francisco Standard that the SF Giants will consider having Schmitt get reps in the outfield.

Could Casey Schmitt start seeing time at a new position with the SF Giants?

With the promotion of Bryce Eldridge, it adds an inherent level of roster complexity. Perhaps, the Schmitt dynamic is a wrinkle that the Giants had not considered a few months ago.

Schmitt has been the club’s best hitter in a lineup that has vastly underperformed. He continues to solidify his case with each game. On Monday, he launched a solo shot to help lift the Giants in a 3-2 victory over the San Diego Padres.

The Giants have to find a way to keep Schmitt’s bat in the lineup, which is easier said than done. His hot start has coincided with many core players struggling badly right out of the gates. 

The young Giants infielder has versatility, but they also have coverage at all the positions he plays. This includes his natural position at third base, which is being held down by Matt Chapman.

The Giants have coverage at shortstop, second base, and first base. The addition of Bryce Eldridge also means that he and Rafael Devers will be splitting more time at first base and DH. 

When there is a left-handed pitcher on the mound, there is no doubt that Schmitt needs to be in the lineup. When facing a right-handed pitcher, that answer is trickier, but Schmitt still should see his name in the lineup.

To make things easier, it makes sense for the Giants to at least consider playing Schmitt in the outfield. He has the speed and arm strength that would typically lend itself to be worth the experiment. Can he learn the jumps? Can he learn the routes? That remains to be seen, but the foundation is there.

The Giants have been awfully adventurous in left field over the years. Travis Ishikawa, Joc Pederson, and even Yermín Mercedes are just names to have taken reps in left field. During the 2012 playoffs, I recall Bruce Bochy telling a story about Xavier Nady overhearing him say he was nervous when a ball was hit to Nady. In that sense, trying Schmitt out in the outfield grass is not as crazy as it sounds.

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