San Francisco Giants: Options for third base in 2018
By Keaton Moore
Christian Arroyo
When the Giants drafted Christian Arroyo No. 25 overall in the 2013 MLB draft, only good things followed. He went on to receive MVP and the Topps AZL Player of the Year honors in 2013 to eventually become the team’s top prospect in 2016. Given his success, it was only a matter of time before he hit the major leagues.
Despite all this anticipation, Arroyo’s debut with the Giants was underwhelming. In 34 games, he batted .192 with three homers and 32 strikeouts.
Things only got worse once he sent back down to the minor leagues in early June. In his first game back after getting hit in the hand sent him to the disabled list for two weeks, Arroyo was hit in the exact same spot and eventually underwent season-ending surgery.
Regardless of his ups and downs, Arroyo remains one of the Giants best options for third base. Although he spent most of his time in the minor leagues at shortstop, his phenomenal fielding translated over to third and the major leagues. Arroyo played 22 games at third, in which he committed only two errors and started five double plays in 59 total chances. If he can maintain his reputation as a strong fielder and work to find his swing next season, Arroyo could see himself become the Giants’ every-day third baseman.