Christian Koss was a surprise addition to the Giants 26-man roster. One game into his major league career, he is looking to stick around. At 27 years old, Koss isn’t your usual rookie. A San Francisco Giants fan his whole life, there is no better organization for Koss. Particularly when his defensive flexibility is a real asset to the franchise. Bob Melvin and Buster Posey have praised Koss for his excellent Spring, with a .938 OPS. Posey applauded his versatility: “You probably can throw him in the outfield if you need to. He’s just that type of player.” A big compliment from the man making the decisions behind the scenes.
How Did Koss Get Here?
Colorado picked him in the 12th round of the 2019 draft, before being traded to Boston just a year later. A move with no more intention than to clear a 40-man spot for the Red Sox, whilst getting some return for Yoan Aybar. There is no doubt, though, that his 1.052 OPS in Rookie ball excited some of those in Boston.
After a COVID-ridden 2020, Koss’s time in Boston didn’t go as he had hoped. He never hit over league average in Double-A or Triple-A. 2023 saw him only have a .640 OPS across three levels. The Red Sox had clearly lost faith, most notably with his exclusion from the 2024 Spring Training roster.
Here, the Giants traded for Koss for the ever-present cash considerations. He then had a much better year. After 25 great games in Richmond, he found himself in Sacramento for the rest of the year. It was here he hit a solid .747 OPS and a safe glove wherever he was needed. That form continued this spring, allowing him to force his way in as the glove-first infielder. Especially as Brett Wisely struggled to get going.
What Can Koss Provide The Giants?
This isn’t the first year an older rookie forced his way into a utility role. In fact, Tyler Fitzgerald was 26 when he had his big rookie campaign just last year. In many ways, Koss’s skillset is like Fitzgeralds. Both are good defenders, with the ability to play anywhere. Both are quick and use that speed exceptionally on the bases. Plus, both have shown flashes of being at least a league-average bat. Fitzgerald’s results last year were a surprise to most, so who is to say Koss can’t be as effective?
This new-look Giants team has changed its mindset under Posey, and Koss is a great example of that. Gone are the days of resting on your morals and having fun changing rooms after losing; this team is hungry to win. Despite years in the minor leagues, no real buzz, and two trades for pennies, Koss has fought his way to the bigs. All whilst remaining “the epitome of a baseball player”, a compliment worth even more said by Buster Posey.
Despite going hitless, he did draw a walk and score a run on his debut. With no one prouder than wife Laura and daughter Isla watching nervously from the stands. No doubt, this will be the first of many times we see Koss. So it won’t be long before we see his long-awaited first major league hit.
Main Photo Credits: Joe Camporeale-Imagn Images
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