Ranking the top 3 remaining offseason needs for the SF Giants

Ranking the top 3 remaining offseason needs for the SF Giants

2. Left-handed-hitting middle infielder

As things currently stand, the SF Giants are slated to begin next season with Brandon Crawford and LaMonte Wade Jr. as their only left-handed-hitting infielders. They have some depth on the 40-man roster in Isan Díaz and Brett Wisely, but neither one is a proven option.

The problem with Crawford and Wade Jr. is that they are not the most versatile options. Crawford has only played shortstops in the majors and he will continue to anchor that position given that he still flashes a quality glove at a premium position. On the other hand, Wade Jr.'s only infield position is first base.

The Giants had hoped that Tommy La Stella could fill those gaps but they officially decided to cut ties with him after two subpar and injured-plagued seasons. They need a left bat who can back up Thairo Estada at second base as well as David Villar and J.D. Davis at third base.

More importantly, they need someone who raises the defensive floor. The Giants' defense was worth -53 Defensive Runs Saved (DRS) and -32 Outs Above Average (OAA) in 2022, which ranked as the worst mark and third-worst mark in baseball, respectively.

Defense needed to be a priority to upgrade and they have done very little up until this point with few remaining options in free agency. Joey Wendle of the Miami Marlins looks like a sensible addition given that he hits from the left side, can play multiple positions, and grades out as an above-average fielder.

The 32-year-old middle infielder is in his final year of arbitration, so he is on an expiring contract. That limits the potential return that the Marlins could receive, which fits nicely with the Giants in terms of risk profile. They might have to give up a prospect or two, but it is the type of deal that they can tolerate.