Claimed off waivers from the Baltimore Orioles in May, the San Francisco Giants released veteran outfielder Ryan McKenna on Monday. As the minor league season enters the home stretch, the Giants announced a wave of promotions earlier this week. Typically, promotions lead to corresponding roster moves, but instead, the Giants trimmed their outfield depth by releasing McKenna.
Giants Release Ryan McKenna https://t.co/6ZQWPcho2P pic.twitter.com/ssJgcCjhOX
— MLB Trade Rumors (@mlbtraderumors) August 5, 2024
McKenna arrived in San Francisco after he was designated for assignment by the Orioles – the only organization he had previously known – earlier this year. A fourth-round draft pick in 2015, the 27-year-old outfielder debuted with Baltimore in 2021, but struggled out of the gate. He posted a .559 OPS with two homers and 14 RBI in his first 90 games in the majors. McKenna spent parts of four seasons with the Orioles, slashing .224/.302/.332/.634 in that time.
Giants Release Outfielder Ryan McKenna
An above-average defender capable of playing all three outfield positions, McKenna was known for his defense rather than his bat. However, he appeared in nine games for Baltimore this year while Austin Hays was sidelined, going 3-for-8 with two homers. Out of minor league options, McKenna was placed on waivers once Hays was reinstated, ultimately being claimed by San Francisco.
He appeared in four games with the Giants, collecting six hitless at-bats before being placed on waivers. McKenna split time with Double-A Richmond and Triple-A Sacramento after being outrighted off the Giants 40-man roster. Slashing .227/.308/.348, McKenna played in 18 games for Triple-A Sacramento before being released over the weekend.
Overall, McKenna’s production has been better in the minors than it has in parts of four seasons in the majors. With his speed and above-average arm strength, he has drawn solid ratings in the outfield and around the basepaths. Now a free agent, McKenna should be able to find a new opportunity elsewhere, albeit on a minor league deal.
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