Three SF Giants players whose 2026 season just changed after Harrison Bader signing

The SF Giants have reportedly added veteran outfielder Harrison Bader on a two-year deal. The move pushes Drew Gilbert, Luis Matos, and Jerar Encarnación down on the depth chart.

Three SF Giants players whose 2026 season just changed after Harrison Bader signing

Grant McCray could be added to that list, but he would need to outperform the rest of the group to make the roster. Bader will likely take over in center field, shifting Jung Hoo Lee to right field. This not only is a better long-term fit for Lee, but it will be a better defensive alignment on paper.

Of course, Heliot Ramos will handle the everyday reps in left field. The Giants still have an opening for a fourth outfielder, which is what Gilbert, Matos, and Encarnación will be competing for in spring training.

Prior to the signing, all three outfielders were penciled in to compete for a spot in lineup. Right field was wide open. The signing of Bader changes that competition.

Encarnación and Matos are out of minor league options, so if they do not make the club, then they will need to be placed on waivers. Given that both hit from the right side and are limited defensively, there is likely only a spot for one of them and it is a narrow path.

It also bears mentioning that the outfield contingent now leans more in favor of right-handed hitters, with Bader and Ramos. There may not even be much of a need for another right-handed-hitting outfielder.

Gilbert may have the inside edge in this competition. In his brief time with the Giants last year, he proved to be a capable defender at all three outfield positions. He struggled to a .598 OPS in 109 plate appearances, so his bat leaves something to be desired.

The left-handed bat only tallied two hits in 18 at-bats against southpaw pitchers. He had a .657 OPS against right-handed pitchers. If that mark sees a small improvement, it could open up some playing time for the speedy outfielder.

Nonetheless, the Bader signing changes the 2026 season for a trio of outfielders. It pushes them one peg lower on the depth chart. Instead of competing for everyday at-bats, Gilbert, Matos, and Encarnación will now be competing for a bench role.

Who will win? That will depend on who has the best spring performance. It should also be noted that teams like to preserve organizational inventory, so it is not always the best roster that starts the year, but the one that keeps as many players in the organization as possible.