SF Giants experimenting with relatively new position for multi-positional catcher

The SF Giants like Jesús Rodríguez’s bat and hope that he can eventually fill some time behind the plate. In the meantime, they are evidently experimenting with him at second base, as he has already made a couple of appearances there this spring.

SF Giants experimenting with relatively new position for multi-positional catcher

This might be one of those spring training experiments that do not make it out of the Cactus League. However, if it does, it would create another avenue to playing time for Rodríguez. 

The Giants acquired the right-handed hitter in the five-player deal that sent Camilo Doval to the New York Yankees. Much of his experience on defense has come at first base, third base, and catcher. 

Of course, any prospect is blocked at first base due to the presence of Rafael Devers and Bryce Eldridge. There could be a niche role for a right-handed-hitting first baseman, but there would not be many at-bats available.

The Giants have coverage at third base with Matt Chapman, who is in the second year of a six-year deal. Casey Schmitt would likely take over at the hot corner in the case of an injury to Chapman.

Rodríguez is not particularly strong defensively at any position, but he has experience behind the plate. The Giants are hoping they can leverage that experience while recognizing that he might be a bit of a work in progress at catcher.

This is where second base might come into play. Rodríguez has a tiny bit of experience there, appearing in 27 innings for the Yankees’ High-A affiliated in 2024. In essence, it is a brand new position. 

In 2026, the Giants have coverage at second base with the addition of Luis Arráez. He will assume the majority of the at-bats at second base, but there could be some available for a right-handed-hitting second baseman. Casey Schmitt, Christian Koss, and Tyler Fitzgerald are competing for some of those at-bats.

However, Rodríguez could be on the fringes of the completion as well. He has the type of offensive profile that the Giants like in a hitter. He has a career .309 batting average in six minor league seasons. This includes a 14.1 percent strikeout rate.

Rodríguez has a muscular build but does not hit with much power. He sprays the ball all over the field, especially to the right side. He is an aggressive hitter and will expand the strike zone, but has good enough contact skills to put the ball in play.