SF Giants reportedly expressed interest in a 2-time All-Star infielder before joining Miami

On Thursday, Two-time All-Star Tim Anderson signed a one-year, $5 million pact with the Miami Marlins according to Russell Dorsey of Yahoo Sports. However, the SF Giants reportedly expressed interest in the veteran infielder before he signed with Miami.

SF Giants reportedly expressed interest in a 2-time All-Star infielder before joining Miami

Dorsey notes that the Giants along with the Los Angeles Angels had checked in on Anderson all offseason. The Marlins had interest in him dating back to last year's deadline. For Miami, it was one of the first notable moves they had made this winter.

It is a bit surprising to see Anderson get $5 million in guaranteed money given that he is coming off of a horrendous season with the Chicago White Sox. However, he was an AL All-Star as recently as 2022, so the Marlins are betting on a bounceback season.

Prior to joining the Marlins, the 30-year-old had spent his entire eight-year career with the White Sox. During that time, he registered a respectable .282/.312/.422 line (99 OPS+) with a 3.8 percent walk rate, 23.2 strikeout rate, and a .141 ISO. He also adds value on the bases as he has swiped 117 bases in 144 opportunities.

Earlier in his career, Anderson was an above-average defender, but the defensive metrics had begun trending in the wrong direction in recent years. In 2023, the veteran infielder tallied -16 Defensive Runs Saved (DRS) and -1 Outs Above Average (OAA) at shortstop. Perhaps, he is still playable at that position but not in an everyday role.

Similarly, his offensive production dipped considerably last year as well. He registered a .582 OPS with just one home run in 524 plate appearances. His low walk rate and increasingly high ground ball rates are difficult traits to ignore. And, his sprint speed has also regressed.

In November, the White Sox bought out Anderson's $14 million team option. He received a $1 million buyout. The Giants clearly have a need for a serviceable middle infielder or two and they have added to the area of the roster recently after acquiring Otto López in a trade with the Toronto Blue Jays. While Anderson has experience in the middle of the diamond, his recent numbers would not have inspired a lot of confidence among Giants fans.