SF Giants already have an internal replacement at second base

The SF Giants have struggled to get meaningful production at second base, with Tyler Fitzgerald serving as a primary option. If they look for an upgrade, Casey Schmitt is making a case to slide over to second base when Matt Chapman returns.

SF Giants already have an internal replacement at second base

As a unit, Giants second basemen have slashed .223/.278/.297 (64 wRC+) with a 5.9 percent walk rate, 26.9 percent strikeout rate, and .074 ISO. Their .575 OPS ranks as the third-worst mark among that position group.

Since the start of 2023, Giants second basemen have been last in baseball with a .624 OPS. This is not necessarily a new problem, but Fitzgerald's sluggish bat represents the latest player to struggle at that position.

The Giants entered the year with Fitzgerald penciled in as the everyday third baseman, given the strong season he had in 2024. However, there were red flags in the right-handed bat's offensive profile, including a high strikeout rate and limited damage on pitches in the outer half.

Fitzgerald's success depends on his ability to pull the ball in the air. He posted a 27.5 percent pulled fly ball rate last year, but that mark is down to 15.9 percent this year. Pitchers have neutralized this ability by throwing away, and while Fitzgerald makes decent contact on these pitches, there is limited damage.

Overall, he has struggled to the tune of a .626 OPS with two home runs and nine RBI in 193 plate appearances this season. The Giants need more from the lineup, and this is one of the few spots they should look to upgrade.

The Giants have one internal option in Casey Schmitt. Schmitt has seen everyday at-bats with Matt Chapman going down with a hand injury.

It is tough to replace Chapman's value to the team, but Schmitt has done a nice job. Since taking over, Schmitt has tallied 12 hits, including three home runs, with 11 RBI in 34 at-bats. He has also worked five walks during that stretch. That last detail is the one that stands out.

The 26-year-old hitter has been far too aggressive at the plate in the past. He has shown improvement in that category, and his chase rate is down to 28.5 percent. Schmitt might never be the most patient hitter, but that is an acceptable chase rate.

With Chapman firmly entrenched as the team's third baseman, Schmitt has no path to playing time at that position. However, playing time is available at second base, which is an option the Giants should explore before they survey the trade market.