SF Giants poorly constructed bench highlights potential trade-deadline need

The SF Giants are not getting much value at all out of their bench options so far in 2025. It highlights a larger roster issue that they just do not have much position-player depth on the active roster and that it could quickly emerge as a trade-deadline need.

SF Giants poorly constructed bench highlights potential trade-deadline need

I do need to preface this by noting that Bob Melvin does not really leverage his bench options in the first place. He seems to favor lineup continuity more than using all options he has available. Of course, he may not have confidence in all options he has available.

The Giants' bench consists of Sam Huff, Casey Schmitt, Christian Koss, and Luis Matos. Usually, when the utility options come in, teams are generally making a tradeoff from what they are getting from the everyday players.

For example, if the Giants put Huff in the lineup, it means that there is a drop-off in defensive ability behind the plate. However, Huff has some raw power and can run until a few pitches. Overall, he is not a huge improvement over Patrick Bailey in the batter's box, but he can hit with power.

With the rest of the group, the drop-off in value from the starter may be uncomfortably steep for the Giants. Schmitt should probably get all the reps at first base until Jerar Encarnación returns, but Melvin is still leaning on LaMonte Wade Jr.

Wade Jr. has not hit much, but he does have a track record. That might mean more to Melvin than what Schmitt could do. With how poorly Wade Jr. has been hitting, the Giants might not be making a trade-off at all with Schmitt. They could be leaving a better hitter in Schmitt on the bench at a bat-first position despite Wade Jr.'s struggles. That is a questionable decision.

Christian Koss filled in nicely during Tyler Fitzgerald's absence, but he still has a .576 OPS with one home run and eight RBI in 67 plate appearances. Koss has looked solid at second base, and has shown a knack for hitting with runners in scoring position. That said, he may not offer that much upside.

Lastly, there is Luis Matos. Matos has seen sporadic playing time, recording a .503 OPS with three home runs and four RBI in 72 plate appearances. This role is not benefiting him or the team. Matos would be better served seeing everyday reps in Triple-A.

This highlights the Giants' lack of depth on the bench. It is hard to pin the blame on the players. All of them have been used as everyday players throughout their young careers, and could still benefit from consistent reps.

That said, they do not have a player from the current group that they can comfortably slot into the everyday role without a notable drop-off in production. While first base could be an area to address at the trade deadline, upgrading the bench should be high on the priority list as well.