SCOTTSDALE, Ariz. — The Giants don’t have a ton of true positional battles as they enter Cactus League video games. Nearly all of their beginning lineup is about. Kyle Harrison and Hayden Birdsong headline the battle for the fifth rotation spot, the previous having the sting over the latter.
However the fourth outfield spot? That is still undetermined.
“I don’t really see it as competition,” mentioned outfielder Grant McCray. “We’re all teammates at the end of the day. … So, I’m not looking at them as competition or opponents.”
McCray is perhaps teammates with the likes of Luis Matos and Marco Luciano, who transformed from infield to outfield this winter, however by definition, they are going to be instantly competing with each other to win a spot on the Opening Day roster. Jerar Encarnacion is an outfielder as effectively, however the 27-year-old slugger profiles extra as a chosen hitter and energy bench bat. And of these three, Luciano’s case is probably going the weakest.
Luciano, 23, advised reporters that he has performed outfield previously, however he’s by no means executed so within the majors or minors. Over 5 skilled seasons, Luciano has completely performed shortstop or second base. Given his lack of outfield expertise — Oracle Park’s dimensions aren’t straightforward for a newbie to navigate both — Luciano will probably start the season with Triple-A Sacramento as he continues studying the nook outfield spots.
“I think he’s handled himself great,” mentioned normal supervisor Zack Minasian at Cactus League Media Day. “We just want him to be himself: at the plate, in the field, in the clubhouse. I think he’s got a pep in his step. … It’s been exciting and encouraging just to see him around, mixing in with his teammates so far.”
That leaves Matos and McCray as the 2 main candidates to safe the fourth outfielder spot. Getting into Cactus League play, Matos (121 MLB video games) probably has the sting over McCray (37 MLB video games) given the distinction in expertise on the major-league stage, however that might very effectively flip relying on how the following few weeks shake out.
Matos, 23, entered camp with the momentum of successful Venezuelan Rookie of the Yr throughout winter ball for Tiburones de la Guaira. Over 55 video games, Matos hit .300/.345/.536 with 10 house runs, 41 RBIs and a league-leading 20 doubles. Together with the chance to play in entrance of family and friends, the expertise allowed Matos to expertise sustained success that eluded him within the majors.
Shortly after Jung Hoo Lee’s season-ending left shoulder harm, Matos went on one of many extra electrifying heaters of your complete season and gained NL Participant of the Week, going 10-for-26 with two homers, three doubles and 16 RBIs in late Could. From there, the league tailored.
Offensively, Matos completed the 12 months with a .213 batting common, .584 OPS and 5 homers over 45 video games. Defensively, Matos was price -4 outs above common within the outfield. By WAR, Matos was beneath substitute stage.
“Sometimes, something like … a big winter ball can really set a guy on a quicker trajectory, a higher trajectory than normal,” mentioned president of baseball operations Buster Posey in January. “We’re excited for him to come in, continue the confidence that he gained from winter ball this year and compete for a spot on the roster.”
Whereas Matos was anticipated to issue into the Giants’ outfield plans final season after enjoying 76 video games for the staff in 2023, McCray’s emergence was extra of a shock.
“You look at last season, and to think that Grant McCray was going to be here would have been a stretch,” Melvin mentioned. “Not only was he here, but there were times he was really important to our lineup and performed really well. There’s still some things like any other young player that you have to work on.”
McCray, 24, started final season with Double-A Richmond. By mid-June, he earned a promotion to Triple-A Sacramento. In mid-August, he was making his major-league debut.
The left-handed hitting outfielder had his share of highlights, hitting 5 homers and swiping 5 luggage over 37 video games. McCray’s peripherals — 93rd percentile dash velocity, 99th percentile arm power, 90.2 common exit velocity — soar off the web page as effectively. For all his flashes, McCray had a .202 batting common, .617 OPS and struck out 43.1% of the time.
“I learned what it’s going to be like,” McCray mentioned. “When I go up there, it’s not like the minor leagues where guys are just throwing stuff over the plate. They want you to chase their stuff. It’s a just part of the game (in the majors). It’s a chess game and they think a lot more than they do in the minor leagues. It’s a learning experience for me.”
McCray made a big mechanical adjustment through the offseason, incorporating a toe faucet as an alternative of utilizing a regular stride. He’d thought of making the swap for some time and determined to experiment with the change through the winter. McCray identified that Lee, who additionally makes use of a toe faucet, appears “ready to go at all times.” To this point, McCray is happy with the early returns.
“I feel out front on everything, which is good for now,” McCray mentioned. “Around this time in spring, I’m normally behind on everything. I’m usually late. Now, I have time to think. Just gotta keep going and see where it goes.”
