SF Giants acquire infielder Daniel Robertson, DFA Hunter Pence

The SF Giants have traded for infielder Daniel Robertson and DFA’d Hunter Pence.

The SF Giants continue to rack up wins following a three-game sweep of the Arizona Diamondbacks. And amidst the winning, the team made a trade on Sunday to acquire a little more infield depth.

The Giants announced that they had traded for Tampa Bay Rays infielder Daniel Robertson in exchange for a player to be named later or cash considerations.

The former first-round pick had been designated for assignment earlier in the week after spending the last three years with the Rays. However, he hasn’t played in a game so far this season.

In a corresponding move, the Giants designated for assignment longtime outfielder Hunter Pence and promoted Sam Coonrod back to the active roster.

Pence returned to the Giants this February after spending a year with the Texas Rangers. Returning on a one-year, $3 million contract, the hope was that Pence could provide veteran insurance in an inexperienced outfield.

But after the implementation of an everyday designated hitter, Pence saw more time as a DH than in the outfield. Unfortunately, he never managed to get things going at the plate.

In 17 games, Pence went just 5-for-52 slashing an abysmal .096/.161/.250 prior to being DFA’d. He struck out three times as many times as he reached base with a hit.

His departure is hardly surprising, but it does feel like the end of an era (again) for the two-time World Series champion. At the same time, though, the move was likely overdue.

Daniel Robertson gives the SF Giants more infield depth.

As for Robertson, the former Oakland Athletics draft pick will be sent to the Giants’ alternate training site in Sacramento for the time being.

A first-round pick back in 2012, the A’s shipped Robertson to the Rays as part of the deal for Ben Zobrist. Not the most accomplished hitter, the 26-year-old is a reliable fielder who offers plenty of versatility.

Primarily a shortstop, Roberston has experience playing both second and third base as well. His best season came in 2018 when he slashed .262/.382/.415 in 87 games finishing with nine home runs and 34 RBI.

There’s a good chance we see Robertson in the majors at some point this season. But for now, the Giants have enough infield depth so that they don’t need him.