SF Giants rookie potentially playing his way into team's 2025 plans

When the SF Giants called up rookie outfielder Grant McCray to the big leagues, high expectations did not accompany him. Yet, he has gone right ahead and impressed both with his defense and his offense and could be playing his way into the team's 2025 plans.

The 23-year-old McCray was mainly seen as a defensive upgrade in center field when he got called up. Heliot Ramos was clearly not suited to be an everyday center fielder and was only there because of the injury to Jung Hoo Lee. McCray has thus far lived up to his reputation as a solid center fielder. His speed has allowed him to track down balls that were doubles or triples just a few weeks ago.

What has been a pleasant surprise is his production at the plate. It is obviously a very small sample size, but McCray has 12 hits in 39 at-bats including 3 home runs. The home runs have not been cheap, either. Last night's bomb he hit against the Milwaukee Brewers cleared the fence with plenty of room to spare. McCray had 12 home runs in the minor leagues this year, so we knew he had some pop in his bat. It has been great to see that translate to pop in the big leagues so far.

My assessment when McCray was called up was that he was going to perform about the same as Wade Meckler did last season when the Giants called him up. Meckler appeared simply outmatched against big league pitching and it seemed clear that the Giants rushed him up in a move of desperation for a struggling offense. That has not been the case for McCray thus far, so I do apologize for my cynicism, Mr. McCray.

Grant McCray may be playing his way into the 2025 plans of the SF Giants

Now, we should temper our expectations a bit. McCray does have 17 strikeouts in 39 at-bats which is not a great sign and is consistent with his alarming strikeout numbers in the minors. There is always the potential that as big-league clubs learn more about him and his tendencies at the plate they will find out where his weak spots are and adjust how they pitch him accordingly.

So far though, McCray has certainly made a great impression. It is early but if he continues to impress both at the plate and with his defense he could make a solid case to be on the team's roster next season as well. If healthy, Jung Hoo Lee will certainly be the starting center fielder for the Giants. McCray would still be valuable on the team as a guy who gives Lee a break every now and then especially if they want to ease Lee back into things after his injury. He makes the outfield defense better, he can steal bases, and even if he doesn't start a game you can use him as a pinch runner late in games.

It is very early, but if his early success is any indication we could be seeing a lot more of McCray on the Giants going forward.