Richard Mackson-USA TODAY Sports
The Giants have acquired a Jewell, but got their true jewel earlier this offseason.
San Francisco claimed righty pitcher Jake Jewell from the Angels and, to make room on its roster, designated Zack Cozart for assignment on Monday.
In doing so, the Giants have given up on a infielder who was acquired because the Angels needed to offload cash, and he was due nearly $13 million this season. In exchange for the Giants to eat the contract, they were gifted the 2019 15th-overall pick, shortstop Will Wilson. Barring Cozart clearing waivers and agreeing to a minor league deal, which is unlikely, the Giants effectively used a fat wallet to boost their farm system.
Cozart, while he was 2017 All-Star, has been beset by injuries the last two seasons and is coming off shoulder surgery that likely would not have allowed him to start the season on time. The 34-year-old righty hitter also would have been a questionable fit on a team that values youth and is in search of a lefty utility infielder.
Jewell, 26, has pitched 28 1/3 major league innings in two seasons, posting a 6.99 ERA. He volleyed between the minors and majors last season, beginning and ending the season with the big-league club but fighting his way through Triple-A much of the season. The converted starter owns a fastball that can hit the upper 90s and figures to join a crowded race for bullpen spots.
