San Francisco Giants Rumors: Josh Harrison on team’s free agency radar

With the San Francisco Giants targeting infield help, it makes plenty of sense that they’re rumored to have interest in signing All-Star utility man Josh Harrison.

So far this offseason, the San Francisco Giants have been rather quiet in the acquisitions department. In the middle of a rebuild, it’s clear more talent is needed before they can truly return to relevance. A Josh Harrison signing would be a step in the right direction, though.

Well, as recent rumors suggest, Harrison finds himself on San Francisco’s radar as we work our way through the final days of December. That is, according to Fancred’s Jon Heyman, who named the Giants among a number of teams to have interest in Harrison.

That’s quite the list of suitors to have to fend off, but San Francisco seems like as solid a fit as any.

Farhan Zaidi’s interest in Harrison is more than understandable. The Giants’ new President of Baseball Operations values versatility, and the soon-to-be-former Pittsburgh Pirates star fits the bill. Over the last two seasons, he’s seen action at second and third base as well as right and left field. Put simply, he could essentially slot in wherever San Francisco needs him.

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Although he had a down year at the plate in 2018, the 31-year-old Harrison is an exceptional defensive talent who could upgrade the Giants’ ability to keep runs off the board. That’s evidenced by his two All-Star selections, including his most recent in 2017.

Harrison’s best campaign came back in 2014, though, when he finished ninth in NL MVP voting. That year, he recorded a .315/.347/.490 slash line while also collecting 13 home runs. While he managed a slash line of only .250/.293/.363 this past season, there’s no denying that Harrison would be a welcomed addition for the Giants.

Another thing to keep in mind when considering San Francisco as a potential landing spot for Harrison is Zaidi’s interest in a right-handed platoon for second baseman Joe Panik. It’s an interest that was made apparent during the recent MLB Winter Meetings, and one that should persist as we work our way through the early parts of the offseason.

For now, though, don’t get your hopes too high. With so many teams in the mix for Harrison, there are a number of directions for this situation to go in. The Giants will absolutely be a consideration for the flexible playmaker, but there’s no guarantee they’ll be the winners of his signature when all is said and done.

At least the Giants are entering the mix for some of the bigger names still on the market, right?