Speedy non-tendered Mariners infielder could be a target for SF Giants

With the deadline to tender contracts to arbitration-eligible players ending yesterday, many players were non-tendered which means they are now free agents. One such player is Josh Rojas who could be a solid add by the Giants.

Giants fans may remember Rojas from his time with the Arizona Diamondbacks. He had some solid seasons like in 2021 when he slashed .264/.341/.411 with 11 home runs and 44 RBI. He has also proven to be a threat with his speed, stealing 23 bases in 2022, 12 in 2023, and 10 last season.

SF Giants could sign the speedy Josh Rojas to add infield depth

He was traded to the Seattle Mariners in 2023 and has done decently in the Pacific Northwest. Last season with Seattle he hit .272/.321/.400 with 4 home runs and 14 RBI in 46 games. He followed that up in 2024 by slashing .225/.304/.336 with 8 home runs and 31 RBI. Those are not impressive offensive numbers, but he made up for it with his stellar defense at third base.

The lack of offensive production is probably why the Mariners decided to part ways with him, but he could still provide value to a team like the Giants.

The fact that he has speed and is solid defensively makes him fit neatly into what manager Bob Melvin and president of baseball operations Buster Posey are looking for. They want to get faster and more athletic while also playing sounder defense. Rojas checks both of those boxes.

The problem is that he plays third base primarily, and that spot is taken by Matt Chapman. However, he has experience up the middle at second base and shortstop and can even play the corner outfield spots so the Giants could move him around.

Signing him would potentially take time away from Brett Wisely and Casey Schmitt who seem likely to be infield depth pieces next year. But the Giants may decide they want the veteran presence that Rojas brings especially given his versatility.

It is not a perfect fit by any means, but Rojas does match several things the Giants are looking to improve on in 2025. If they could sign him to a cheap minor league deal that could be a smart move to ensure they have some more infield depth going into next season.