Who Will Be the Odd Man Out in the Giants Infield Next Season?
The Giants' infield is full. With Matt Chapman and Willy Adames signed to long-term contracts, the left side of the infield is locked down for the foreseeable future. However, the right side needs work. Furthermore, second base is a position that demands a constant presence and contribution.
Despite being sent to and from Triple-A Sacramento multiple times, Tyler Fitzgerald had a wonderful season at the plate with the Giants in 2024, collecting a .280 batting average, 15 home runs, and 34 runs batted in across 96 games. In the field, he spent the majority of his time at shortstop, but made 11 errors. Following the acquisition of Adames and the departure of veteran second baseman Thairo Estrada, Fitzgerald was the natural pick to start at second base. By lifting some defensive pressure, the hope was that Fitzgerald would be able to encore his 2024 performance at the plate.
Unfortunately, that was not the case. After a good start to the season, Fitzgerald never quite found his rhythm at the plate since his return from a rib fracture in mid-May, his batting average plummeting to a .217 batting average and finishing with four home runs and 14 runs batted in. In his place, the Giants started three other second basemen this past season: Casey Schmitt, Christian Koss, and Brett Wisely. Schmitt and Koss, who are more highly regarded for their defense, can also play both positions on the left side of the infield should Adames or Chapman hit the injured list or need a rare day off. In addition, Schmitt hit with more pop, concluding the year at a .237 batting average, 12 home runs, and 40 runs batted in. Koss played in 76 games, a comparable number to Fitzgerald’s 72, and registered a .262 batting average, three home runs, and 23 runs batted in. The moves to option Fitzgerald in late August and designate Wisely for assignment in mid-September showed confidence in the tandem of Schmitt and Koss at second base.
Versatility is a key trait that moved Fitzgerald up the ranks. At one point, he was ranked 21st in the Giants' system. He even has limited time at each outfield position at the Major League level. However, at the moment, the Giants also have multiple players with more outfield experience at each outfield position to shuffle around, such as Luis Matos, Drew Gilbert, and Grant McCray, similar to his luck at second base and other infield positions.
However, it is certainly far from a done deal. Fitzgerald still has time to prove his worth to the Giants at the big league level. If he can regain confidence and put together a great Spring Training where he displays flashes of his 2024 form, he will still have a chance at the 2026 Opening Day roster, whether it be at second base or in the outfield. The opportunity will be there in Spring Training, but it may be his last with the Giants.
