The San Francisco Giants could have a surprise starting second baseman next season

The San Francisco giants are entering a critical offseason that will determine the direction the team will take in the coming seasons.

It’s the first winter of a new era in San Francisco under a new president of baseball operations Buster Posey. After seven missed postseasons in eight years, all indications pointed more than ever to the fact that it was time for a change.

The Giants have never been afraid to spend money when it comes to the opportunity to land a superstar and while this offseason should be no different, like any baseball team, more production is needed than what is currently in the clubhouse.

Tyler Fitzgerald was a pleasant surprise at the plate, but struggled mightily on the defensive side of the ball, projecting long-term as a second baseman, especially if the team spends money on a free agent shortstop as many expect them to.

In that case, Fitzgerald would likely get the nod as the starting second baseman to open the season, but what if he regresses after a high-performing rookie season in which he essentially came out of nowhere?

San Francisco needs to have a contingency plan in place, and it appears it does. Nick San Miguel of Around the Foghorn says not to forget Casey Schmittwho played in 40 games for the team and showed some promise.

“While Fitzgerald went cold to end the year, Schmitt went hot,” San Miguel wrote. “He started hitting the ball well and even hit six home runs in just 107 at-bats. We know he is a very aggressive hitter, as evidenced by his slow walk speed, but that is only part of his game. He can be aggressive , but may need to be a bit more selective if he wants to be a more consistent hitter.

San Miguel pointed out that through two years of calling for Schmitt, he has shown serious business flashes of a skill to score at the Major League level, but has struggled to maintain the success.

Fitzgerald has earned the right to start 2025 with the job, but Schmitt’s defense at second base was better than what Fitzgerald showed, along with good offense, and certainly shouldn’t be overlooked as the team looks at options for the filling in the infield. .