Young SF Giants player boldly likens team's outfield defense to the Dodgers

The SF Giants should be solid on paper defensively in the 2025 season, especially in their outfield. Young outfielder Grant McCray even went so far as to compare the team's outfield defense to the Los Angeles Dodgers.

McCray made these comments at the start of camp to KNBR. He said: "It's something that you see in video games. Superstar teams like the Dodgers. I feel if it's me, Jung Hoo, and Ramos or whoever else...it's just going to be a tough day for opposing teams to get some knocks in the outfield."

Young SF Giants outfielder Grant McCray talks up team's outfield defense

He could have a point. Even though the team's outfield defense has been subpar the last several seasons, it stands to reason that things could improve in 2025.

Injuries have forced players to play out of position in the outfield in recent years, but on paper the Giants will not have any weak links in their outfield this year.

Last season Heliot Ramos was forced to play in center field for a good chunk of the year after Jung Hoo Lee went down with a season-ending shoulder injury. This season, if both players stay healthy Ramos should be solid in left field and Lee should be reliable in center field.

Veteran Mike Yastrzemski was a Gold Glove finalist for his work in right field last year so the Giants should have three average or slightly above-average defenders in the outfield.

The irony of McCray's remarks is that he is unlikely to be part of the team's outfield to begin the season. Luis Matos and Jerar Encarnacion seem likely to snag the backup outfielder spots on the Opening Day roster even though McCray does bring a lot to the table with his speed and defense in center field.

If the Giants were to sustain an injury in the outfield or if a player struggles, McCray would most likely be the first player to get called up from Triple-A. He impressed when he was called up late last season, but he could use a bit more seasoning in the minors. He would also be the best option in center field besides Lee.

Even if McCray is not on the team to start the year, the team's outfield defense should be in much better shape than in recent seasons. The team needs to be strong defensively if they want to succeed, so let's hope McCray's belief in the team's defense is borne out in 2025.