Should the SF Giants target a renowned Giant Killer in free agency?
While there's still plenty of time left in the 2023 MLB season, the SF Giants red-hot run lately has shown that they are well and truly ready to compete for a playoff spot, but if they are to do that, the expectation is that they could be looking to load up with more weapons.
Should the SF Giants target a renowned Giant Killer in free agency?
Most people around the league expect that addition to come from a big trade, and while the expectation is that they could still look to bring in an experienced starter via trade, what about the free-agent market? More importantly, what about a renowned Giant killer that was just released by his team?
The player in question would be former Padre Wil Myers, who was released by the Cincinnati Reds after a slow start to the 2023 campaign, but after proving himself to be a capable power hitter and a handy, versatile defender, he is someone the Giants should look to take a very cheap flier on.
The Giants could definitely use another right-handed bat after Mitch Haniger landed on the injured list with a fractured forearm. Myers checks that box and has relatively even platoon splits (.752 OPS against RHP, .793 OPS against LH) throughout his 11-year career. Plus, he is generally a competent glove at several positions.
In 34 games to start 2023, Myers was batting just .189 with 3 home runs and 12 RBI, but with Haniger, Wilmer Flores and plenty more Giants seemingly suffering from the injury curse this year, he could be a solid minor league option.
He will not come without competition however, as he's a proven competitor that many playoff teams could be looking to buy low on, and even if he can't turn back the clock and become a star down the stretch, the Giants could be keeping him away from division rivals.
Myers' last standout season with the bat came in 2021 when he played for the San Diego Padres, hitting .256 with 17 home runs and 63 RBI's, and while his career is on the down swing, the Giants are in the perfect position to take a swing and miss on a proven yet struggling commodity, so they should no doubt look to bring in Myers and see if they can reinvent him.
The risk is minimal on a minor-league deal. He is a proven hitter with a track record of success at Oracle Park. This includes an .866 OPS with 11 home runs across 53 games in one of the more pitcher-friendly parks in baseball. That said, Myers is seemingly not a fan of San Francisco.
That could be a major roadblock. At the end of the day, the next opportunity is still the best one regardless of where it is. The Giants should take a shot, especially considering that Myers offers some nice upside.