Nobody expects free agent Angel Pagan to return next season with the Giants. It was a solid five-season run in San Francisco for the 35-year-old, but his services are no longer necessary, especially for a ball club in a state of transition.
So who replaces Pagan?
The Giants’ brass — Larry Baer, Bobby Evans, Brian Sabean and Bruce Bochy — all met with the media on Thursday, and gave an indication that the replacement could come internally.
Jarrett Parker and Mac Williamson will both be considered for the role, according to Evans.
Parker appeared in 63 games in 2016, posting a .236/.358/.394 line, with five home runs and 14 RBI in 127 plate appearances. Williamson appeared in 54 games in 2016, posting a .223/.315/.411 line, with six home runs and 15 RBI.
One caveat Evans added to the media: The Giants’ analytical projections say both Williamson and Parker can generate more power than Cincinnati Reds breakout star Adam Duvall. The left fielder hit 33 homers and 103 RBI in his first full season, and is now widely considered the Reds’ top player. The argument for Williamson and Parker is that neither really had the chance to develop significant roles in 2016. Maybe there’s hope one can turn into a Duvall in 2017.
It’s also very possible the Giants don’t want to tip their hand for what could be another aggressive free agency period. Baseball insiders expect the club to sniff around slugger Yoenis Cespedes and other power hitters such as Edwin Encarnacion, Jose Bautista or maybe even Ian Desmond.
But Sabean made one strategy clear: scoring runs can come from much more
“The magic number to win in the National League is four (runs),” said the executive. “It doesn’t matter how you score four.”
There were 111 players who hit 20 or more home runs in 2016, none of which played for the San Francisco Giants.
