The San Francisco Giants are currently facing a challenging season, with a record that puts them in a less-than-favorable position in the National League. The team's struggles can be attributed to both their offense and pitching staff, with the offense being the more significant concern. The Giants' current batting average of .241 is not only below-average but also ties them with the Mets for the worst record in the Majors. However, amidst these struggles, there are some bright spots, particularly with the performance of Casey Schmitt and the potential return of Harrison Bader.
One of the most promising players for the Giants is Casey Schmitt. Schmitt has been a standout performer with a 144 wRC+ in just 129 plate appearances. This makes him the team's best hitter by a significant margin. However, Schmitt's primary role has been as a designated hitter, and his playing time in the outfield is limited. Despite this, the Giants are exploring the possibility of converting Schmitt into a utility player, leveraging his defensive strengths and above-average arm strength. Schmitt's sprint speed is also impressive, placing him in the 72nd percentile according to Statcast, which could make him a valuable asset in the outfield if the team handles it "intelligently."
The Giants' offense would be bolstered by the return of Harrison Bader, who has been on the injured list since April 15 with a left hamstring strain. Bader's potential impact is significant, as he had a career-best season in 2025 with the Twins and Phillies, posting impressive marks in wRC+, wOBA, and home runs. However, Bader's success in 2025 may have been somewhat lucky, with a high batting average on balls in play and a lower-than-expected expected wOBA. Despite this, the Giants are hoping that Bader can maintain an average hitting performance, which would be a significant upgrade for the team's offense.
The Giants' pitching staff is also facing challenges, with a combined 0.1 fWAR placing them in the bottom ten relief units in the Majors. However, the return of Sam Hentges, a 6'8" lefty who underwent shoulder and knee surgeries in 2024 and 2025, respectively, could be a significant boost. Hentges' success will depend on generating groundballs and recovering his mid-90s four-seam velocity. The Giants' bullpen has a decent 3.85 ERA, and Hentges' return could help improve their overall performance.
In conclusion, the San Francisco Giants are facing a challenging season, but there are some promising developments on the horizon. The return of Harrison Bader and the potential conversion of Casey Schmitt into a utility player could significantly boost the team's offense. Additionally, the return of Sam Hentges could strengthen the Giants' pitching staff. While the team's current record is concerning, these developments offer a glimmer of hope for the future. The Giants will need to make strategic decisions to maximize the potential of these players and turn their season around.
