© Stan Szeto | 2019 Jun 7
It’s official. After days of speculation regarding how much time second baseman Joe Panik had left with the big league club, the Giants designated the six-year veteran for assignment on Tuesday afternoon. Because of his service time, if Panik clears waivers, he would have to accept being outrighted to triple-A Sacramento. According to Andrew Baggarly of The Athletic, he will not accept the assignment.
After the news broke, Panik sent a statement to multiple reporters who cover the team, thanking the Giants organization and fans for all their support over the last six seasons. Here’s what he said:
“I would like to thank the Giants, especially John Barr, Brian Sabean, and Bobby Evans for drafting me and giving me the opportunity to play for such a great organization. I would like to thank Boch, along with all the coaches I have had throughout my time here. Thank you to all my teammates. We have experienced some truly amazing moments together that I will never forget.
“To the fans, it was an amazing 6 seasons. Thank you for all the passion and support you have given us players. Nothing has driven me more than winning here in San Francisco. I am forever grateful for the Giants taking the chance on me and allowing me to live out my life long dream.
“It is time for me to start the next chapter in my career. But in my heart I will always be a Giant.”
Panik, 28, was selected by the Giants in the first round of the 2011 MLB Draft. He was a contributor on the Giants World Series team in 2014, his first year in the big leagues. He made the All-Star team in 2015, and won the NL Gold Glove in 2016. Panik slashed .271/.334/.383 and hit 36 home runs in his five and a half years with the club.