SF Giants option hot-hitting outfielder, reassign five players to the minors

Wade Meckler was one of the best players in SF Giants camp this spring. However, that did not stop him from being optioned on Wednesday according to the team's transaction log.

SF Giants option hot-hitting outfielder, reassign five players to the minors

Alex Pavlovic of NBC Sports Bay Area reports that the Giants also reassigned Carson Whisenhunt, Donovan Walton, Trenton Brooks, Yoshi Tsutsugo, and Tommy Romero. The number of players on the 40-man roster still in camp now stands at 31. The Giants also have several players on non-roster deals in camp as well.

Meckler experienced a meteoric rise through the farm system in 2023. He began the year in High-A and reached the majors by the end of the year. Simply put, he was one of the best hitters in the minors last season.

However, that success did not translate to the majors, which is not too uncommon for rookies. The lefty bat tallied a .578 OPS in 64 plate appearances. He did do a good job of working the count, but his strikeout rate spiked to 39.1 percent against major league pitching. Depsite having above-average speed, Meckler also displayed questionable defense thanks to poor reads and inefficient routes

If the defensive issues continue, it likely means that he will be limited to the corners going forward. Corner outfielders typically flash average-to-above-average power, but power is not part of Meckler's skill set. For him to carve out a role, the strikeout rate will need to substantially improve.

That said, the 23-year-old put together a very nice spring. He recorded 11 hits, including three extra-base hits, in 29 plate appearances with nine RBI and three strikeouts against three walks. He also swiped three stolen bases in three opportunities. Meckler only stole 13 bags in the minors last year, but he has the sprint speed to be a threat on the bases. If he can efficiently increase volume, it adds another skill that he could bring to the table.

Despite a strong Cactus League performance, there was not much of a shot that he would break camp with the club. The Giants are covered in the outfield, but if he continues to perform in Triple-A, there is a good chance that he returns to San Francisco this year.

Among the remaining cuts, Carson Whisenhunt is the most notable name from the bunch. He did not appear in any game action before being sent back to minor league camp. Donovan Walton, Trenton Brooks, Yoshi Tsutsugo, and Tommy Romero will all serve as minor league depth.