What the SF Giants non-roster list tells us about one key roster battle

The SF Giants released their non-roster invitee list on Friday. They had zero outfielders listed on it, likely suggesting that the competition for the fourth-outfielder role will be between players currently on the 40-man roster.

What the SF Giants non-roster list tells us about one key roster battle

It should be noted that Jake Lamb and Christian Koss are among the non-roster invites. They both are primarily infielders but each has limited experience in the outfield as well. That said, the Giants' current front office and coaching staff are likely not as keen at leveraging a player's versatility as the prior regime.

The Giants could still bring in some external competition for the outfield and that is not a bad thing either. They have considered that idea as they were reportedly in on Randal Grichuk before he returned to the Arizona Diamondbacks. A little competition makes spring training more fun to watch.

However, the non-roster list does indicate they will be leaning on the 40-man roster to fill out the outfield contingent. As things currently stand, Heliot Ramos, Jung Hoo Lee, and Mike Yastrzemski are penciled in as the starting outfielders.

However, the fourth outfielder is up in the air. The Giants have seven outfielders listed on the 40-man roster. That does not include Marco Luciano, who continues to take ground balls in the infield, but has been working in the outfield this offseason.

Plus, Brett Wisely and Tyler Fitzgerlad have experience in the outfield as well. They are likely seen as emergency options at this point.

That leaves Grant McCray, Luis Matos, Jerar Encarnación, and Wade Meckler vying for a spot on the Opening Day roster. Typically, the fourth outfielder can handle all three outfield positions. McCray is the only one from the bunch who checks off that box.

Both Matos and Encarnación are coming off of strong seasons in winter ball. Encarnación is entering camp without any minor league options remaining, so he may have an edge. Though, he does not bring much defensive value to the table and is likely limited to first base or left field.

Similar to Matos, Meckler is an above-average runner. That is a pretty important trait for patrolling the outfield grass but neither one has graded out favorably in center field. Meckler is lower on the depth chart than the other three options.

At the end of the day, the competition will likely be between Matos, McCray, and Encarnación. Matos and McCray could benefit from more time in the minors but if either one performs, they could push for a roster spot. On the other hand, Encarnación has some of the best bat speed and raw power in the organization but keeping him would limit the club's options in terms of defensive alignment.