This time last year it felt like the Giants had their DH set in stone for the next few years. On the trade deadline, though, Jorge Soler was traded to the Braves. Then, we saw Jerar Encarnacion take over the role. With an impressive spring, he looked almost deadset to take the role. However, after fracturing his hand and having to have surgery, the Giants are now looking for their next option.
The role is likely to be shared among a few players, although few have the bat to make the role theirs full-time. If no replacement is found for Encarnacion, then who will take the playing time?
The First Base Platoon
The obvious answer appears to be in the form of the first base platoon, LaMonte Wade Jr, and Wilmer Flores. Calling these two platoon players is a little unfair given their records. Wade Jr. continues to be an on-base machine as he recorded a career-high.380 OBP in 2024. Whilst weaker against lefties, it is clear his results against them are improving year-on-year. In what is a platform year, it feels as though having the chance to be an everyday player would be a benefit. Particularly if he can show his competency against southpaws.
Wilmer Flores is in the opposite camp. Coming off a miserable 2024, he had no choice but to opt into a $3.5 million option. An option that, before the season, seemed not to even be in the conversation. Flores is looking to bounce back this year, though. A career year in 2023 showed what he can do. 23 home runs and 134 wRC+ made him the Giants best hitter, a repeat of that is not out of the picture.
The Utility Options
The other option appears to come from those who are not yet certain about their spots. Casey Schmitt has flashed some power for a couple of years but has never been able to cement a spot for himself. He is among those fighting to be the utility infielder and offers the best offensive upside. So, the opening at DH could sway the decision in his favor. Others were also allowed to have days off from the field. Guys like Fitzgerald have yet to play a full season in the big leagues, so they could use days off while still being able to make an impact offensively.
A spot has also now opened up in the outfield with this injury. That spot is likely to go to Grant McCray. Although McCray has a big defensive upside, it would likely push someone else into the DH if McCray were to take a spot in the lineup. His bat is still far off what scouts hope it to be, but his speed and arm made him an ideal fit in center last year. This means he or Lee could move to a corner to allow someone else to DH. Be that Ramos, Matos or Yazstremski. Encarnacion’s injury particularly benefited Luis Matos, who was expected to be in a left-field platoon. However, his impressive contact skills give fans optimism that he can cement an everyday position during this stretch.
Waiting In The Wings
Of course, there are options in Triple-A that the Giants hope will be ready very soon. It wouldn’t be a Giants article without mentioning top prospect Bryce Eldridge. He showcased his immense talent in spring training but was among the first to be reassigned to Triple-A. The hope is for Eldridge to be fully ready for 2026, but it wouldn’t be a surprise to see him in some capacity this season.
The more likely call-up is Marco Luciano. The former top prospect has struggled to find his way in the big leagues, but he has serious talent. The Giants have made it clear their plan for Luciano is to focus on hitting this year. Various position changes over the last few years have impacted his ability to improve. There is arguably no better way to do this than to DH. If he starts off hot in Triple-A, expect to see him back in the bigs sooner rather than later.
Main Photo Credits: Sergio Estrada-Imagn Images
The post Giants Plan for Filling the Designated Hitter Void appeared first on Last Word On Baseball.