The San Francisco Giants have shown interest in Twins standout second baseman Brian Dozier, according to Jon Heyman of MLB Network.
giants still like brian dozier & showing some interest. but fit remains imperfect. dodgers have been most persistent on BD
— Jon Heyman (@JonHeyman) December 20, 2016
Targeting Dozier runs counter to the idea that the Giants are not looking to add any more pieces to their already over-the-tax payroll in 2017, and likely to the idea that San Francisco is comfortable with Joe Panik as their second baseman of the future.
Dozier, 29, is coming off consecutive impressive seasons with the Twins, making the All-Star team in 2015, and finishing 13th in MVP voting last season. Dozier would provide the right-handed power that the Giants sorely need, belting homers 42 in 2016.
San Francisco’s financial circumstances seem to make acquiring Dozier a long shot, assuming the Twins are not willing to eat a chunk of his $9 million salary for next season. Dozier is only under contract through 2017 under his current deal.
Heyman’s report continues a trend of the Giants being interested in a number of notable infielders currently under contract for one season. What exactly San Francisco has to give up is the question, and if the Twins are looking for prospects, it would seem the Dodgers would have a massive advantage.
Still, the Giants interest in Dozier tells us that Evans isn’t necessarily done making another big addition this offseason as has been implied. It might be unlikely that anything happens, but it seems San Francisco is doing their due diligence to improve their chances in 2017 any way they can.
