Jon Heyman of MLB Network is reporting that the San Francisco Giants are likely to be one of strongest pursuers of New York Mets power-hitting outfielder Yoenis Cespedes, as a possible left-field replacement for Angel Pagan who is currently an unrestricted free agent.
Cespedes is just one of a number of big name targets that the Giants will look at to improve their lineup, with names like Dodgers third-baseman Justin Turner being thrown around in recent days.
The Giants finished 19th in runs scored and 20th in team OPS during the 2016 season and should be looking to add power anywhere they can, finishing 28th in the league with just 130 home runs.
As far as the outfield is concerned, even if both Pagan and fellow free agent Gregor Blanco do not return, the Giants have two young in house options in Mac Williamson, 26, and Jarret Parker, 27, both of whom were solid last season in their first big league action.
General manager Bobby Evans has said that he likes both players to expand their roles in 2017, but also acknowledged they will explore other avenues.
Cespedes, 31, is coming off another terrific All-Star season, finishing with 31 jacks in 132 games while posting a .884 OPS, third best amongst National League outfielders. If the Giants were to sign Cespedes, it would mark a return to the Bay Area for the right-handed slugger, who started his career as a fan favorite with the Oakland A’s.
Hunter Pence had the most home runs for a Giants right-handed hitter in 2016, with 13.
