SF Giants know what they must do to create some sort of spark as outfield flounders

Outfielder Drew Gilbert gave the SF Giants some much needed energy in the second half of the season in 2025 when the team was slumping after a hot start. Now, in the midst of a slumping start to the season it could be that exact energy the team is missing.

Calling him up to reunite him with his college skipper Tony Vitello may be just what the team needs right now especially since their current outfielders are struggling so badly.

SF Giants need Drew Gilbert's energy now more than ever

Drafted in 2022 by the Mets out of the University of Tennessee, Gilbert is off to a good start in Triple-A Sacramento for the River Cats, owning a slash line of .289/.389/.400.

After the San Francisco plummeted before the trade deadline and into July last year, they traded relief pitcher Tyler Rogers to the New York Mets for a haul of prospects that included Gilbert.

Gilbert struggled offensively after he was called up to the majors last season slashing .190/.248/.350 in 100 at bats. Despite the lackluster numbers, Gilbert brought that jolt of energy they were looking for. His antics in the dugout were, interesting, to say the least, but it seemed to give the Giants some juice amid an incredibly cumbersome slump. From his weird choking celebration to giving "riding the pine" a new meaning, the vibes Gilbert brings to the table are absolutely unmatched.

It is also worth mentioning this would be his first reunion in the big leagues with his former Tennessee coach Tony Vitello, who has already established himself as a bit of a character. Who knows what that kind of energy could do for a club that just can't find it right now.

Another thing that would make a Gilbert call-up make sense is the team's struggle in the outfield. Heliot Ramos leads the outfield in batting average with an underwhelming .241. While Jung Hoo Lee and Harrison Bader continue to bat well under the Mendoza Line. While Ramos showed flashes of getting hot in the Baltimore series, it just hasn't been enough to move the needle.

There really isn't a clear reason why a guy like Jared Oliva has a spot on this roster over Gilbert. There also isn't a logical reason a career .183 hitter at age 30 would have a spot on any roster when you could squeeze so much more value out of promoting a prospect.

The Giants are a bit stuck with options in the outfield despite the nonexistent production from the fielding group because they have money invested in Bader and Lee and Ramos is a past All-Star.

Bader signed a two-year $20.5 million dollar deal with the Giants this past offseason which looks like a poor decision at this early point in the season. Bader is slashing .115/.145/.192, and has been a liability on offense.

Jung Hoo Lee also poses a problem as his six-year $113 million deal has forced the Giants to commit to him. Lee has a scary slash line of .185/.246/.315, but maybe he is just having a sophomore slump since 2025 basically served as his rookie season after he was robbed of most of 2024 due to injury.

Gilbert should be an obvious candidate for promotion if the team's outfielders continue to struggle at the plate. Calling him up may be the team's best bet to infuse some energy while also addressing the poor production in the outfield.

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