The Giants are adding a Bay Area native to their outfield.
Mitch Haniger, 31, agreed to a three-year, $43.5 million contract with San Francisco according to ESPN’s Jeff Passan. The Mountain View native and Cal Poly product drove 39 home runs in 2021 before struggling with a variety of injuries last year.
According to The Athletic’s Ken Rosenthal, the deal includes an opt-out after the 2024 season. Haniger’s salary will be just $5 million in 2022 before jumping to $17 million in 2023 and $15.5 million in 2024.
The $43.5 million is the most money the Farhan Zaidi-led front office has committed to a position player. Next-highest is Brandon Crawford’s two-year, $32 million extension. Both will be long forgotten if the Giants land Aaron Judge.
Haniger hit .246 with 11 home runs and a .736 OPS in 57 games. The right-handed hitter plays primarily right field and registered three defensive runs saved above average there last year.
Haniger was named an All-Star in 2018 when he hit .285 with 26 home runs. He dealt with an ankle sprain in 2021 and injuries to his abductor and groin limited him to 63 games in 2019 and knocked him out for the shortened 2020 season.
Joining Haniger in the outfield will be Mike Yastrzemski, Austin Slater and LaMonte Wade Jr.. San Francisco is also reportedly interested in adding another outfielder and have been closely linked to Aaron Judge. The Giants are planning on using Joc Pederson primarily as a designated hitter.
