Posey says this young SF Giants player could be 'nightmare' for opponents

The SF Giants got some welcome contributions from younger players in 2024. One such player was outfielder Grant McCray. Buster Posey recently said that McCray could prove to be a "nightmare" for opponents due to his speed.

Posey made these comments on KNBR's Murph and Markus show earlier this week. The hosts brought up McCray and the stellar defense he brings to the table being a huge asset for the team especially if he was paired with Jung Hoo Lee in the outfield.

Posey agreed that his defense is great, but spoke about his offensive profile as well saying he sees him as, "Somebody that's just causing chaos on the bases...Speaking from a catcher's perspective guys like that are a nightmare to have on base."

Buster Posey says young SF Giants player Grant McCray could be a nightmare for other teams

It is hard not to get excited about a player like McCray turning into a more consistent on-base threat who can steal bases and score from first base. The Giants ranked 29th in stolen bases last season with just 68 steals on the year.

They do not need to turn into the top base stealing team in the league, but if they can be more in the middle of the pack next season that could go a long way towards improving the offense.

McCray could potentially be a part of that, but he needs to get better at getting on base and making more contact. He slashed .202/.238/.379 with 5 home runs and 10 RBI in the 37 games he appeared in for the Giants in 2024. He also stole 5 bases and was not caught stealing. However, his 56 strikeouts compared to 6 walks in 124 at-bats is alarming and is something he needs to work on.

If McCray does turn into more of a high-contact hitter who can get on base and wreak havoc, he could be that "nightmare" player that Posey envisions. Perhaps whoever the Giants hire as their new hitting coach along with Pat Burrell can help McCray make some adjustments at the plate to assist him and help him make more consistent contact.

It is fun to imagine an outfield with Lee, McCray, and Heliot Ramos in it. Three young, strong defenders as the future of the outfield would be very exciting and would fit the philosophy that the Giants have laid out of getting better defensively and scoring runs in different ways.

McCray is a ways off from being a definite part of that plan, but he showed promise in 2024 and Posey definitely seems to see potential in him to grow more as a hitter and be a speedy offensive threat as well as a superb defender.