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San Francisco Giants: Deconstructing the 2022 lineup

By Jonas Thoms

SAN FRANCISCO, CALIFORNIA - MAY 31: Manager Gabe Kapler #19 of the San Francisco Giants stands with his team during the playing of the National Anthem prior to the start of their game against the Los Angeles Angels at Oracle Park on May 31, 2021 in San Francisco, California. (Photo by Thearon W. Henderson/Getty Images)
SAN FRANCISCO, CALIFORNIA - MAY 31: Manager Gabe Kapler #19 of the San Francisco Giants stands with his team during the playing of the National Anthem prior to the start of their game against the Los Angeles Angels at Oracle Park on May 31, 2021 in San Francisco, California. (Photo by Thearon W. Henderson/Getty Images) /
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(Photo by Carmen Mandato/Getty Images)
(Photo by Carmen Mandato/Getty Images) /

Barring any more free agent signings, it seems likely that the Giants roster of position players will include these players:

Catchers – Joey Bart and Curt Casali
Infielders – Brandon Belt, Brandon Crawford, Wilmer Flores, Evan Longoria, Tommy La Stella
Outfielders – Darin Ruf, Joc Pederson, Lamonte Wade Jr., Mike Yastrzemski

Assuming the Giants will carry 13 position players, that leaves two spots and a battle between four players to fill those roles — Steven Duggar and Austin Slater for the final outfield spot and Thairo Estrada and Mauricio Dubon for the final infield spot. It has been reported by Anthony Franco at MLB Trade Rumors that due to the late start of spring training, rosters could be expanded to include more than 26 players to start the season, but no official word on that has come yet. Even if that comes to fruition, eventually the 26-man roster will be back in place and for our sake, we will assume that the bulk of the season will be played with the normal roster size.

Of the players guaranteed a roster spot, only Crawford has any recent experience at shortstop so, it seems probable that one of Estrada and Dubon will be on the roster. Both have experience at numerous infield positions and bat right-handed. Neither have minor league options left, so it will be roster or bust for both players. Estrada is a little better hitter while Dubon has more positional flexibility with experience in the outfield.

Duggar and Slater both saw significant time last season, appearing in over 100 games. Duggar bats left-handed, is 28 and is out of options. Slater bats right-handed, is 29, and has one option year left. If the Giants go with Duggar, they would have an entirely left-handed outfield other than Darin Ruf. If they go with Slater, Duggar would have to be designated for assignment and would likely be lost on the waiver wire. Defensive metrics peg them as similar defenders in centerfield, where they would most likely play. I’m putting Slater on the 26-man roster because of the added lineup flexibility and the fact that he spent all of 2021 on the MLB team.

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