SF Giants outfielder reportedly set to see time at new position this spring

2024 was a little bit of a lost year for SF Giants outfielder Wade Meckler. After he struggled in his brief call up to the big leagues in 2023, he dealt with an odd injury in 2024. Now, he will reportedly receive reps at a new position in camp.

In Andrew Baggarly's latest article for The Athletic (subscription required), he notes that Meckler will see time at second base as well as the outfield.

While this may be a bit odd on its face, it is important to remember that the Giants already have quite a few outfielders on their depth chart. They have likely starters Heliot Ramos, Jung Hoo Lee, and Mike Yastrzemski. Then after them they have Luis Matos, Jerar Encarnación, Marco Luciano, and even LaMonte Wade Jr.

SF Giants outfielder Wade Meckler to see time in infield this spring

That means there is not a ton of room for Meckler to break through if he can only play in the outfield. Plus, the team does have a hole in the infield given the fact they only have two infielders who are left-handed hitters in Wade and Brett Wisely. Having Meckler as an option in the infield would give the Giants some more defensive flexibility.

Of course, every year in camp there are positional experiments like this so it would be premature to pencil Meckler into the Opening Day roster as the backup second baseman. However, if he looks comfortable in the infield perhaps the Giants will continue to experiment with Meckler in the infield in the minor leagues this season.

The 24-year-old is an interesting player because he has hit quite well in the minor leagues. His career batting average in the minors is .328 and his high contact rate, along with a Giants team desperate for offense, is what earned him that premature call up in 2023.

He is definitely a breakout candidate to look out for this year given the fact that he has done so well in the minors and is entering camp healthy. He can fly under the radar with other names like Matos and Luciano competing for a roster spot, but he should not be overlooked.

We will see how long the Giants conduct this experiment with Meckler in the infield, but if he can impress with his glove and continues to hit well he will only help his chances of making the big league roster at some point this season.