The San Francisco Giants are off to a 15-19 start this season. In the off-season, Farhan Zaidi, the Giants president of baseball operations and general manager Pete Putila, did an excellent job bringing in free agents.
The Giants brought in center field Jung Hoo Lee, DH Jorge Soler, third baseman Matt Chapman, and starting pitcher Blake Snell. So far this season, the additions have not faired well.
Lee is currently hitting .246 with two home runs and seven RBIs. While he is not hitting for average yet, he is making a lot of contact and has an 8.8 strikeout percentage, which is the lowest in the National League. One alarming thing is that he was caught stealing on three of five attempts.
As the season progresses, I anticipate Lee’s performance to improve. His skill as a contact hitter is undeniable, and it’s only a matter of time before he starts delivering. The Giants are eagerly awaiting his breakthrough.
Soler was brought in to add some pop to the Giants’ lineup. So far this season, his slugging percentage is down, and Soler is batting .202 with five home runs. Playing at Oracle Park could have much to do with it; it is not a hitter-friendly park. Soler has an OPS of 485 points less at home than on the road through the first month. There’s still a long way to go in the season, but I hope Soler can turn it around.
The Giants were hoping Chapman would find his power stroke, and so far, that has not been the case. He is batting .220 with four home runs. Chapman has never really hit for range. Chapman has yet to hit a home run in San Francisco. He is still playing a solid third base but needs to get the bat going.
Snell signed with the Giants very late, which showed in his first three starts. He is 0-3 with an 11.57 ERA and is now out with a left adductor strain. Missing all of spring training has put Snell behind. Hopefully, he will lock into his 2023 Cy Young form when he returns from injury.
On the other hand, new starting pitcher Jordan Hicks has pitched well for the Giants. Hicks chose the Giants and, more importantly, the opportunity to be a starter. So far, so great.
Still only 27 years old, Hicks has emerged as one of the better-starting pitchers in baseball in 2024. His 1.89 ERA is one of the best in the National League. His strikeout numbers are down, but his ability to induce groundballs is still present, and his 59.6% groundball rate also ranks fourth in the NL.
Walks have been a problem for Hicks at times and could be a problem as the season goes on. Hicks, so far this season, has been able to pitch well with runners on base.
If the Giants want to have a successful season, they will need Lee, Soler, Chapman, and Snell to perform at a higher level. Those four players were brought in to make a difference, and they will have to sooner rather than later.
