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San Francisco Giants get lineup boost with Kris Bryant

By David Hill

Jul 16, 2021; Phoenix, Arizona, USA; Chicago Cubs right fielder Kris Bryant (17) waits on deck against the Arizona Diamondbacks during the first inning at Chase Field. Mandatory Credit: Joe Camporeale-USA TODAY Sports
Jul 16, 2021; Phoenix, Arizona, USA; Chicago Cubs right fielder Kris Bryant (17) waits on deck against the Arizona Diamondbacks during the first inning at Chase Field. Mandatory Credit: Joe Camporeale-USA TODAY Sports /
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The San Francisco Giants have been the Little Team that Could. While the Dodgers and Padres have assembled as close to a super team as possible, the Giants have posted the best record in baseball. However, the Dodgers and Padres made moves at the deadline to try to catch, and potentially surpass, the GIants in their quest for the postseason.

Just minutes before the deadline, the Giants made a blockbuster of their own. They have acquired Kris Bryant, with prospects Alexander Canario and Caleb Kilian heading to Chicago.

San Francisco Giants get impact bat with Kris Bryant

After a horrendous 2020 campaign, Bryant has returned to form this season. He has produced a .267/.358/.503 batting line in his 374 plate appearances, hitting 18 homers and 19 doubles. Even if he is not the MVP candidate he once was, that production will fit perfectly in the Giants lineup.

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He also solves several needs in San Francisco. While Evan Longoria had a resurgent 2021 campaign, he is on the Injured List and is not exactly a paragon of health these days. The Giants also need outfield help, and Bryant is capable of playing both corner outfield spots. He has even received time in center, a position that he has enjoyed playing.

The Giants did give up two top 30 prospects, but did not destroy their farm system. Canario is a work in progress, as he does not have a natural feel for putting the barrel on the ball despite having plenty of bat speed. He has plenty of raw power and is athletic, but his struggles to make consistent contact have made him far more of a development project than he should be at this point.

Kilian is not a highly regarded prospect, but one cannot argue the success he has had, posting a 1.79 ERA and a 0.775 WHiP in his 100.2 minor league innings, striking out 113 batters with 11 walks. Armed with a four pitch mix, including a mid 90s fastball and a solid curve, his excellent command allows his arsenal to play up. He could push for a spot on the Cubs in 2022.

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The San Francisco Giants got the bat they needed in Kris Bryant. While the Dodgers and Padres improved, the Giants have kept up the pace as well.

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