The Giants expect Austin Slater to be ready for spring training after he underwent right elbow surgery on Wednesday, the team announced.
Slater, 30, hit .270 with a .748 OPS in 2023 as a part-time player. He has dealt with elbow discomfort for more than a year, which he got addressed on the operating table in Dallas.
Slater underwent arthroscopic surgery to remove a bone spur in the back of his elbow, per the Giants. He also had an ulnar nerve transposition to address his ongoing nerve discomfort. The rehabilitation process is expected to take about four months.
Slater is one of six Giants players eligible for arbitration this season. MLB Trade Rumors, which annually posts estimates that are extremely accurate, projected Slater’s arbitration salary at $3.6 million.
During the 2023 season, the Giants initially instructed Slater to be careful with throwing as he came off the injured list early in the season for right elbow discomfort. He still played 74 games in the outfield, with San Francisco’s roster construction preventing the club from placing him in the designated hitter spot consistently.
Since Slater debuted in 2017, he has been one of the most productive hitters against left-handed pitching, particularly in pinch-hitting situations. He has a career .837 OPS against southpaws and is among the most comfortable players in the league coming off the bench.
While Slater’s salary estimate is modest, the Giants will want to turn a good portion of their roster over from 2023. If Slater’s elbow is a long-term concern, that could make San Francisco’s decision on tendering him a contract easier. Other right-handed outfielders expected back include Luis Matos, Tyler Fitzgerald, Heliot Ramos and Mitch Haniger.
