SF Giants News: Isan Díaz, Austin Dean, and next roster move

With the news that the SF Giants decided to designate Tommy La Stella for assignment, this could create an opportunity for middle infielder Isan Díaz. As currently constructed, Brandon Crawford and LaMonte Wade Jr. are the only two left-handed-hitting infielders.

SF Giants News: Is Isan Díaz poised for a role in 2023

In the case of Wade Jr., the only infield position he plays is first base, so San Francisco needs more infield coverage from the left side. The Giants originally acquired Díaz from the Miami Marlins in exchange for cash at the start of last season.

The 26-year-old was one of the top prospects in baseball at one point, but he struggled to a .562 OPS in parts of three seasons with the Marlins before the trade. Díaz put together a strong season with the Sacramento River Cats, slashing .275/.377/.574 (131 wRC+) with 23 home runs, 61 RBI, and 60 runs in 332 plate appearances. This included a 13.0 percent walk rate against a 24.7 percent strikeout rate.

The middle infielder saw time at second base, third base, and shortstop with the River Cats. He has played primarily second base as a pro. The Giants rewarded him by adding him to the 40-man roster earlier this winter.

It felt like that along with the addition of Brett Wisely served as a precursor to replacing Tommy La Stella's role on the active roster. Assuming no other additions, Díaz should have an inside track at cracking the Opening Day roster.

SF Giants News: Outfielder Austin Dean finds a new home for 2023

Veteran outfielder Austin Dean has found a new home for 2023 after signing a one-year deal with the LG Twins of the Korean Baseball Ogranization (KBO). Dan Kurtz of MyKBO.Net reports that the deal includes $500,000 in guaranteed salary along with up to $200,000 in performance incentives.

The Giants claimed Dean off of waivers from the St. Louis Cardinals last winter. He was outrighted off of the 40-man roster in spring training, but remained with the organization. The right-handed bat tallied a .812 OPS with 17 home runs for the Sacramento River Cats in 2022.

He earned a late-season promotion where he recorded three hits in eight at-bats in a series against the Chicago Cubs. The Giants sent him back to Sacramento where he finished the season and elected free agency.

SF Giants News: What is the next roster move?

The Giants officially added Taylor Rogers to the 40-man roster on Tuesday. He inked a three-year, $33 million pact with San Francisco. San Francisco has one pending move to make and that is adding 29-year-old outfielder Michael Conforto to the 40-man roster.

The left-handed bat signed a two-year, $36 million pact last week. His contract includes an opt-out after the first season. All deals are pending a physical.

The Giants have not officially announced that move yet. However, given that the 40-man roster is full, they will need to make a corresponding roster move. There are not a ton of obvious moves, but Sam Long or Luis González could be candidates to be placed on waivers.