Fansided

MLB Hot Stove: Giants, GM Evans turn their attention towards left field

By Matt Whitener

Dec 17, 2015; San Francisco, CA, USA; San Francisco senior vice president/general manager Bobby Evans shakes hand after the signing of pitcher Johnny Cueto at a press conference at AT&T Park. Mandatory Credit: John Hefti-USA TODAY Sports
Dec 17, 2015; San Francisco, CA, USA; San Francisco senior vice president/general manager Bobby Evans shakes hand after the signing of pitcher Johnny Cueto at a press conference at AT&T Park. Mandatory Credit: John Hefti-USA TODAY Sports /
facebooktwitterreddit

The San Francisco Giants are focused intently on netting a corner outfielder.

In the next step of what has already been a busy winter for the San Francisco Giants, general manager Bobby Evans has stated where the team will now turn its focus to in the free agent market.

During an interview on MLB Network Radio, Evans says the team will now turn its attention towards filling its left field spot in. In regards to what caliber of acquisition it would be, Evans was clear in stating that the team could foresee itself opening up its checkbook to acquire one of the big name options on the free agent market, but that trades would also be equally considered to fill the void.

“We have the flexibility to spend some money,” Evans said. “But we also recognize a good number of options in the trade market too.”

When asked about what type of player he could be looking at for the position, Evans stressed that a number of different types of players could work in the position.

“Versatility there has value for us, as well as the relative place they would hit in the lineup versus what we have,” Evans relayed.

The corner outfield market has been slow to come together, even after Jason Heyward came to terms on what was largely predicted to be a market-setting deal with the Chicago Cubs. Among the players that could fill the role for the Giants are Alex Gordon, Justin Upton and Yoenis Cespedes, all of which are expected to approach $100 million over the life of a deal.

The Giants have been active thus far in free agency, adding both Johnny Cueto and Jeff Samardzija to bolster their starting pitching potential. However, the have still been yet to make any additions to their everyday lineup.

However, an addition to left field was unavoidable. Previously, Nori Aoki manned the position for the club, but he has since moved on to the Seattle Mariners. Gregor Blanco filled in the role in a full-time capacity after injuries, but Evans desires for him to be utilized as more of a fourth outfielder in the upcoming season, due to his versatility.

Home/MLB Free Agency