SF Giants option versatile infielder in latest round of roster cuts

The SF Giants made a roster cut on Monday. Versatile infielder Osleivis Basabe was optioned to minor league camp, per the team's transaction log.

SF Giants option versatile infielder in latest round of roster cuts

The move brings the number of players on the 40-man roster still in camp down to 34. This does not include the handful of non-roster invitees that remain in camp.

Basabe, who is related to both Giants outfielder Luis Matos and former Giants outfielder Luis Alexander Basabe, was acquired from the Tampa Bay Rays in February. The Giants sent cash considerations over to the Rays. He had been on waivers prior to the move, so the Giants jumped the waiver line by working out a trade.

Basabe joined the competition for the utility infielder role along with Brett Wisely and Casey Schmitt. Schmitt and Wisely are higher on the depth chart, so Basabe's chances of winning that camp battle were always low.

At this point, it is a tight battle between Wisely and Schmitt. Both are performing well in spring training, making it hard to pick just one. Wisely feels like the more natural fit given that he hits from the left side. The Giants' infield alignment leans heavily on right-handed hitters with Matt Chapman, Willy Adames, and Tyler Fitzgerald. It would give the Giants a little more balance by keeping Wisely.

On the other hand, Schmitt likely offers more offensive upside and power potential. While third base is his best position, he is clearly blocked with Chapman holding down that position for the foreseeable future.

On the other hand, Basabe gives the Giants another optionable infielder with a slightly different skill set than Wisely or Schmitt. The right-handed bat has slashed .301/.359/.420 with a 7.7 percent walk rate, 13.6 percent strikeout rate, and .119 ISO across six minor league seasons. He has also swiped 80 bases in 108 opportunities.

Basabe appeared in the majors with the Rays in 2023, recording a .587 OPS in 94 plate appearances. The 24-year-old infielder offers quality contact skills with speed, and he has one minor league option remaining. Plus, he is a capable defender on the left side of the infield.

The Giants will lean on Wisely and Schmitt as the top utility options on the depth chart but Basabe could be an option as well. That said, the latest roster move means he will begin the year in the minors.