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San Francisco Giants trade rumors: Infield defense a priority

By David Hill

Apr 30, 2021; San Diego, California, USA; San Francisco Giants second baseman Tommy La Stella (18) cannot field a ground ball hit by first baseman Eric Hosmer (not pictured) during the fourth inning at Petco Park. La Stella was charged with an error on the play. Mandatory Credit: Orlando Ramirez-USA TODAY Sports
Apr 30, 2021; San Diego, California, USA; San Francisco Giants second baseman Tommy La Stella (18) cannot field a ground ball hit by first baseman Eric Hosmer (not pictured) during the fourth inning at Petco Park. La Stella was charged with an error on the play. Mandatory Credit: Orlando Ramirez-USA TODAY Sports /
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The San Francisco Giants are still hanging around the periphery of the Wild Card hunt, but it is clear that they need help. That help could come in a rather underrated area.

One of the reasons for the Giants’ success last year was due to their defense. The same cannot be said this year as their defense has taken a major step backwards. Those defensive woes are a major part of why the Giants have gone from the best record in the majors in 2021 to hovering around .500 this season.

San Francisco Giants looking for help with infield defense

It is an area that the Giants are looking to address. According to Ken Rosenthal, the Giants are looking to add a strong defensive player to the roster, ideally as a part of their infield. Doing so would allow them to move a player into their designated hitter spot while, theoretically, improving their overall defense around the infield.

Such a move would make sense. Thairo Estrada may have been a bargain offensively, but he has cost the Giants 12 runs around the infield. Brandon Crawford went from winning a Gold Glove at short last season to costing the Giants seven runs when he has been able to play. The outfield is not blameless either, with Joc Pederson costing the Giants eight runs.

Those defensive woes can be seen in the performance of their pitching staff. While there were quite a few moving parts this offseason, the Giants have gone from second in the National League with a 3.24 ERA in 2021 to sixth in the NL with a 3.82 ERA. In a division as difficult as the NL West, that can make a difference.

It is also an upgrade that may not cost much in terms of prospects. Defense does not generate nearly as much attention as other areas. The Giants could make a tangible improvement in their performance with an under the radar acquisition.

Next. Time running out for Giants' decision. dark

The San Francisco Giants are looking to upgrade their infield defense. Doing so could be that hidden push they need to return to the postseason.

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