San Francisco Giants: 3 realistic, low-profile free agent targets

3. Eric Thames, OF/1B

The Giants have been in search of a left-handed power bat for years now and it’s about time they land one. And now-former Milwaukee Brewers slugger Eric Thames could be just the player the Giants are looking for.

Thames revived his career in Milwaukee after tearing it up overseas in South Korea and the former Toronto Blue Jays prospect quickly became a fan-favorite in Wisconsin. But after three seasons with the “Brew Crew,” his tenure had run its course.

The Brewers ultimately declined Thames’ $7.5 million club option on Monday seemingly putting an end to his time in Milwaukee. And while he isn’t the big-name slugger he was back in 2017, he could still make for an intriguing free-agent target.

The Giants don’t really have that middle-of-the-lineup left-handed bat at the moment. Alex Dickerson and Stephen Vogt impressed last season but both may be better off as platoon players.

And while Mike Yastrzemski showed some pop as well, the Giants prefer to hit him towards the top of the lineup instead. For that reason, a player like Thames could make a ton of sense as a power-hitting left-handed bat in the heart of the batting order.

The only question would be, where would he play?

Thames has experience as a corner outfielder and first basemen which could theoretically slot him in left field while he sees some playing time spelling Brandon Belt at first base. Perhaps he could even take over for Belt if the Giants find a trade partner.

Thames is a reasonably affordable option who could fill a major need for the team. The Giants need power, and Thames could certainly provide that.