San Francisco Giants 2017 Position Preview: Left Field

Another year, another new left fielder for the San Francisco Giants. This time, they’re plugging the gap from within and getting younger.

More from Golden Gate Sports

Each of the positions previewed so far, infielders and catchers, had set starters. But left field, like many years before, is a lot less certain heading towards 2017. Left field has been a revolving door since Barry Bonds’ final season in 2007, and the Giants will feature their 10th different opening day left fielder in 10 years.

The Giants signed outside left fielders to one-year deals in 2014 (Michael Morse) and 2015 (Nori Aoki), and in 2016, signed Denard Span to play center field while moving Angel Pagan to the less physically-demanding position in left field. With Pagan presumably on to a new team via free agency, the Giants seem set on filling the void from inside the organization.

That means that Mac Williamson and Jarrett Parker will get their chance in 2017. If either one of them starts on opening day, they will become the first Giant under the age of 30 to start game one in left field since Fred Lewis, who was 28 in 2009. If Williamson is opening day starter, he will be the first under age 28 since Kevin Mitchell, who was 27 in 1989. Williamson will be 26 years and 265 days old on April 6th next year.

Both players have had limited chances to prove themselves on an everyday basis. Parker had an opportunity late in 2015, and hit six home runs in 54 plate appearances. He was less successful in 2016, but still showed that he has a ton of power. Williamson got most of his playing time between June and July in 2016, and during that time, he proved a capable and formidable hitter. During other parts of the year where his playing time was more sporadic, he struggled.

The most suggested system for 2017 is a platoon, with Parker facing right-handed pitchers and Williamson facing left-handed pitchers. A platoon could work, but it seems a better idea to allow one player to get the bulk of the playing time. Time will tell which route the Giants take.

Behind them on the depth chart, the Giants will likely have Gorkys Hernandez as a backup outfielder. He will mostly be the second-string center fielder, as Parker and Williamson are both capable in the corners. Gorkys does have a lot of experience in left field, and can be called upon if needed.

More from San Francisco Giants

Justin Ruggiano was recently signed to a minor league deal, and that has the look of a deal that can benefit the big league team. Ruggiano can play all three outfield spots, and is known as a lefty killer. If injuries deplete the outfield, Ruggiano can certainly be an option. Chris Marrero is a very similar player to Ruggiano. He can play the corner outfield spots, and has had a lot of success against lefties in the minor leagues.

The team also added Michael Morse, but his ability to play the outfield is questionable. He was never the most nimble of outfielders, and he has played just six games in the outfield since leaving San Francisco. He played left field pretty regularly in 2014, and if needed, could probably do it again. Whether or not he will accept a minor league assignment remains to be seen, however.

Kyle Blanks is also back on a minor league deal, but after not playing at all in 2016 because of heel problems, his days in the outfield are probably numbered as well.

The outfield prospect to keep an eye on is Austin Slater. In 2016, his third year in the Giants’ system, he tore the cover off the ball in both Double-A and Triple-A. Overall, he slashed .305/.393/.500 with 20 doubles and 18 home runs in 109 games. He is still just 24 years old, and the Stanford product is already knocking on the big league door.

Next: Giants Position Preview: Shortstop

A more unorthodox route would be to have Brandon Belt play left field. He has started 48 games in left field in his big league career, but just 18 of those games have come in the past five seasons. This should be another last resort move, since Belt’s defense at first base is quite valuable. Also, Kelby Tomlinson started two games in left in 2016, but didn’t look all that comfortable tracking fly balls (his arm is just fine, however.) Ehire Adrianza has also played the outfield sparingly in Spring Training. None of these three should be a long-term possibility in left field.

Home/San Francisco Giants