San Francisco Giants: Options for third base in 2018
By Keaton Moore
Ryder Jones
Similar to Christian Arroyo, Ryder Jones is another viable option for third base next season, despite a disappointing first go in the major leagues. The Giants selected Jones in the second round of the 2013 MLB draft, immediately after drafting Arroyo. Like Arroyo, Jones excelled through the minor leagues, earning a 65/80 rating for his arm earlier this year.
Yet, since his debut on June 24, Jones only put together a .193 batting average when his batting average with Triple-A Sacramento was .312. Even after being sent down for nearly the entire month of July, Jones has yet to find his swing in the major leagues.
Although he primarily manned the hot corner in the minor leagues, Jones took over first base when Brandon Belt went down with a concussion on August 4. With 40 games at first base during his five years in the minors, Jones is no stranger to the position, but he is naturally a third baseman.
With this positional adjustment, Jones’ struggles at the plate become more understandable and with that added pressure alleviated, we could see Jones put up offensive numbers similar to those he posted in the minor leagues.