With over a week in the books of Spring Training, it’s time to dig into players who are showing well and poorly thus far. There is still plenty of time to cool off or heat up, but the time is ticking. With the addition of Matt Chapman to the team, one less roster spot is available now, which has made the opening-day roster much more difficult.
J.D. Davis: 0.400 AVG (6 for 15), 2 HR, 6 RBI, 1.271 OPS
Davis has been red hot this Spring and would be an ideal trade candidate to acquire a starting pitcher. With injuries to starting pitchers Keaton Winn, Tristian Beck, and now Sean Hjelle the Giants desperately need another starter. Davis would be a nice bat for the Giants bench, but his positional inflexibility is a real question mark for playing time. Chapman is an everyday player, and Flores is the right-handed hitting first baseman. Davis is likely playing for a starting job on another club.
Jung Hoo Lee: 0.462 AVG (6 for 13), 1 HR, 3 RBI, 1 SB, 1.303 OPS
Giants coaches have been raving about Lee since he arrived in Scottsdale and weren’t wrong. They have finally found what looks to be a very effective lead-off batter who is also a plus defender in center field. His power has surprised many, and his bat-to-ball skills look to be amongst the best on the team. Look for Lee to have a breakout season and be a potential All-Star.
Ismael Munguia: 0.667 AVG (8 for 12), 2 HR, 3 RBI, 3 SB, 1.859 OPS
Munguia has been in the Giants’ minor-league system since 2016 and was signed at 18 years old from Nicaragua. He played very well in Double AA last season and has continued to improve. Munguia will likely not make the opening-day roster but could be the first outfielder called up with a possible injury or absence from a Giants outfielder. He is 25 years old and can play all three outfield spots very well.
Nick Ahmed: 0.625 AVG (5 for 8), 2 HR, 5 RBI, 2.042 OPS
Ahmed is currently 33 years old and has been brought in on a minor-league deal. His play thus far has created a real buzz amongst the organization. As a 2-time gold glove winner, his bat has often been questioned, but early on, he has impressed with the lumber. With the departure of Brandon Crawford in Free Agency, Marco Luciano looked to be a shoo-in for the starting job but has started (0 for 9) and is not looking like a starting-caliber player yet. The surprise of Ahmed could add defensive stability up the middle with a resurgence of power at the plate.
