SF Giants: Three left-handed infielders to target for Longoria platoon

The SF Giants may be in the market for some infield help this offseason. With Tommy La Stella possibly missing the beginning of the season after undergoing Achilles surgery in October and an aging and injury-prone Evan Longoria at third base, the Giants may decide that they need to acquire some more infield talent.

SF Giants: Three left-handed infielders to target for Longoria platoon

While the SF Giants have other infield options like Thairo Estrada, Wilmer Flores, and Mauricio Dubon, they all hit from the right side of the plate and may not give manager Gabe Kapler many options to pinch hit as he did so often and with so much success last season.

That is why it may make a good deal of sense for the Giants to target a left-handed hitting infielder who can play several different positions to satisfy the desire for versatility that the Giants front office has. Getting a player who fits this mold would give Kapler a lot of options on both the defensive and offensive side of the game.

Plus, it is also important to acknowledge that the Giants have a fairly old infield. With veterans like Longoria, La Stella, Brandon Crawford, and Brandon Belt, the Giants need insurance in case any of the veterans miss extended time.

Without further ado, let's take a look at three left-handed hitting infielders the SF Giants can target in order to give them some flexibility going into next season.

SF Giants: Three left-handed infielders to target for Longoria platoon

1. Jake Lamb

Many SF Giants fans are familiar with third baseman Jake Lamb from his days as a member of the Arizona Diamondbacks. He was a pesky thorn in the side of the Giants for a number of years, not owning them in the way of a Goldschmidt or Arenado, but having success nonetheless. In 77 career games against the Giants, he has hit .272/.380/.517 with 11 home runs and 39 RBI.

The Giants acquiring a former Diamondback who has given them trouble in the past is not without precedent as the team acquired Wilmer Flores after he seemingly got a hit every time he went to the plate against the Giants.

Of course, Lamb has not enjoyed his success against the Giants against the rest of the league as of late. Last season as a member of the White Sox and Blue Jays he hit a dismal .194/.306/368. This does not inspire much confidence in him heading into 2022, but the Giants may target Lamb as a low-risk high-reward acquisition who they can invite to Spring Training to see if the warm Arizona air can rekindle his former self.

Aside from hitting from the left side of the plate, Lamb also plays third base, first base, and the corner outfield spots which makes him a a good match in terms of versatility.

Of course, the only way Lamb would make the big league roster is if he tore the cover off the ball in Spring Training. While it is unlikely, the Giants may take a chance on this former nemesis to see if he could platoon with Longoria at third or be a solid backup.

But if the Giants decide they want a safer bet in the infield, there are other options for them.

SF Giants: Three left-handed infielders to target for Longoria platoon

2. Jonathan Villar

If the SF Giants want a switch-hitting infield option with speed and some pop, then Jonathan Villar could be a good fit.

Villar has been a solid infielder since 2013 when he came into the league with the Astros. He can play shortstop, second base, and third and is a stolen base threat, stealing 14 last season.

Last season as a member of the New York Mets he hit .249/.322/.416 with 18 homers and 42 RBI. Those are solid numbers for a guy who will be an above average bench player for the Giants if he were to sign with them.

Of course, Villar may decide that he wants to be a starter somewhere, but the Giants can entice him by convincing him that he would be joining a potential contender. Not only would he be joining a potential contender, but with Kapler's matchup-heavy approach he would likely get a good number of plate appearances as a switch-hitter who can do damage from both sides of the plate.

Villar would perfectly fit the mold if the Giants want an upgraded infield depth piece going into 2022.