San Francisco Giants still facing the Curse of Barry Bonds

Let us go back to Opening Day in 2007. Barry Bonds was entering his final year with the San Francisco Giants, although no one knew it at that point. That season was also the last time that the Giants had any continuity in left field.

Since Bonds was essentially forced out of the game after the 2007 season, left field has been a revolving door. Over the past 15 years, a different left fielder has taken the field on Opening Day. It is also a streak that seems set to continue this season.

San Francisco Giants still looking for their next left fielder

In theory, the Giants could have the same player start in left field for consecutive years for the first time since Bonds was launching baseballs into McCovey Cove. Joc Pederson was their starting left fielder last year and is back with the Giants for 2023 after accepting the Qualifying Offer. Two years may not seem like stability, but it would be for the Giants in left.

Instead, Pederson is expected to serve as the Giants’ primary designated hitter in 2023 with either Mitch Haniger or Michael Conforto taking over in left. Either player would likely be a defensive upgrade over Pederson, considering he cost the Giants 12 runs in left last season, but it still shows how much of a revolving door the position has been.

There is hope that will not be the case in 2024. Haniger is under contract for three years and should hold down the fort for that time. However, his ability to right field as well makes it possible that he shifts there, especially if the Giants are not confident in Conforto’s arm. Conforto, meanwhile, signed a two year deal with an opt-out after the 2023 season, making it possible that another player will take over in left on Opening Day in 2024 if he is the starter.

Barry Bonds still casts a large shadow over the San Francisco Giants. Maybe at some point, his curse will lift when it comes to left field.