Patrick Gorski-USA TODAY Sports
The Giants’ never-ending search for available, sensible talent has led them to Brandon Guyer.
Guyer, an outfielder who hasn’t played in the majors since 2018, and the Giants agreed on a minor-league pact, according to multiple reports Monday, with The Athletic stating he’ll be in minor league camp. Add another outfield glove to the mix, which has not been infused with the corner slugger the team sought this offseason.
Instead, there are more fliers, with Guyer fitting squarely in that category. The righty batter historically has raked against lefties but been inept against righties and should compete for a job in a season that allows teams to carry 26 players, making platoon guys more valuable.
The 34-year-old played briefly in the White Sox’s system last season and is trying to launch a comeback after getting 221 plate appearances with Cleveland the season before. For his seven-year major league career, he’s slashing .274/.376/.449 with 24 home runs in 792 plate appearances against lefties, though he is best known for being prodigious at getting hit by pitches, with 85 for his career.
The Giants’ outfield is heavily lefty, with Mike Yastrzemski, Alex Dickerson and Steven Duggar all possible starters. Austin Slater is the best righty bat, with righties Joey Rickard and Jamie Westbrook getting non-roster invites to major league camp. Darin Ruf, too, has been invited and can play some corner outfield.