San Francisco Giants Offseason Signings, One Season Later
Denard Span (3 years, $31 million)
After an injury-riddled season in 2015 with the Washington Nationals, the Giants took a chance on bringing in Span. Coming off three surgeries last year, Span stayed mostly healthy for the Giants, playing in 143 games. He missed a few games here and there in the middle of the year because of a stiff neck.
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Span’s first season with the Giants wasn’t exactly great. He batted .266, his lowest since 2011. His on-base percentage (.331) and slugging percentage (.381) were both his lowest since 2013. He only stole 12 bases, and was thrown out seven times. His arm in center field was tested consistently, and he really couldn’t do anything to stop it. He didn’t truly take advantage of triple’s alley, collecting just five three-baggers on the year.
He did have some bright spots, as well. He hit a career-high 11 home runs. He hit .327/.356/.485 with 15 extra-base hits in the first 41 games after the All-Star break. He showed up in the postseason. Span broke up Noah Syndergaard‘s no-hitter in the wildcard game, and picked up three extra-base hits in the NLDS.
Overall it wasn’t a very good year for the new Giants’ center fielder. With two years left on his current contract, he has time to make a bigger mark on the team.