The San Francisco Giants have reportedly acquired Tyler Austin from the Minnesota Twins to add another piece to their struggling offense. Here’s a quick breakdown of the early-season trade.
The San Francisco Giants are evidently not done making roster additions as for the second time in the first two weeks of the 2019 MLB season they have made a trade. This time, the Giants have acquired 27-year-old first baseman/corner outfielder Tyler Austin from the Minnesota Twins in a move that will hopefully spark the team’s struggling offense.
Austin, who was designated for assignment by the Twins just a couple of days prior, was acquired in exchange for minor league outfielder Malique Ziegler who was currently playing with the High-A San Jose Giants.
The 27-year-old Austin was originally drafted in the 13th round by the New York Yankees in 2010 and made his big-league debut in August of 2016. Austin would spend a few years playing sparingly for the Yankees before being shipped away to Minnesota as a part of the deal that sent pitcher Lance Lynn to New York.
The Georgia native was given a semi-regular role last season playing in 69 games and recording 17 home runs and 47 RBI in only 268 plate appearances. However, he hit just .230 with a .287 OBP and was DFA’d after playing in just two games this season.
Austin gives the Giants some extra right-handed power in a lineup that has severely been lacking in that regard. In a corresponding move, San Francisco designated outfielder Connor Joe for assignment ending his brief tenure with the team.
Some might say he was only on the team for a cup of coffee….or a cup of Joe.
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Low-hanging puns aside, Joe’s play had left little to be desired and the writing was on the wall for his departure after a dreadful 1-for-15 start to his MLB career. The Giants will have the opportunity to trade him but if not deal comes to fruition, the team will then place him on waivers. If he goes unclaimed, he will likely be sent back to the Los Angeles Dodgers who he was drafted away from in the Rule 5 Draft a few months ago.
It remains to be seen where exactly Austin will fit in on the current roster. Steven Duggar is likely locked in in right field for the time being and despite his offensive struggles, Kevin Pillar should remain the every-day starting center fielder.
Austin could challenge for some time in left field with Gerardo Parra not hitting all too well but it’s more likely he’s used as more of a pinch hitter and top reserve. Perhaps the team could even platoon Austin and Parra with the former playing against lefties, something of a strong suit for him.
Regardless, this isn’t exactly an earth-shattering move that could make or break the season. But still, the Giants will be hoping that Tyler Austin could step in and upgrade an offense that has shown no serious signs of improvement.
The Giants essentially swapped a guy with two first names for another, but the team is hoping that their newest acquisition could work out a bit better than their previous one.