Stan Szeto-USA TODAY Sports
Perhaps this could be the 2020 Giants slogan: Pablo, Pence and peace to playoffs.
The Giants and Hunter Pence are reuniting. According to MLB Network, the two have a deal in place to bring the lovable outfielder back to San Francisco after his very successful year away in Texas. It is unclear if it’s a minor or major league deal.
Bringing back Pence, the wildly popular Oracle Park fixture for seven years, soon after inking Pablo Sandoval is a second bone to a dissatisfied fanbase whose hopes for this season are nearly nonexistent. Pence, who had a remarkable comeback season last year after an offseason swing change, makes a certain amount of sense for the type of player they desire: a righty who mashes lefties in an outfield that at the moment features lefties Mike Yastrzemski, Steven Duggar and Alex Dickerson.
Last year, Pence, a surprise All-Star, slashed .327/.378/.636 against lefties, and with a 26-man roster and three-batter minimum for pitchers, platoon players will be more valued than ever.
Pence, ever an optimistic, fits right in with the new coaching staff, which is big on positivity, a player whose hustle and attitude embodies the players they want.
The obvious downside with Pence is his age, as a veteran who will turn 37 in April would join a team very much in the midst of a rebuild. Thursday, Farhan Zaidi pointed at the balance he’s trying to strike in bringing in competition at each position but wanting to ensure youngsters see at-bats. If Pence’s righty bat is in the lineup, perhaps Austin Slater’s or Jaylin Davis’ would be absent.
Still, a reunion with Pence would go over well with the fanbase and make the Giants a better team against lefty pitching.
The Athletic reported Friday the Giants also maintained interest in Yasiel Puig, the inverse of Pence: He’s a righty but has reverse splits (better against righties) but is of an age more appealing to the front office (29). He makes less sense after landing Pence.