The San Francisco Giants are in a tough spot right now, struggling to find their offensive rhythm, and it was clear that changes were on the horizon. In a bid to reinvigorate their lineup, the Giants made several roster moves designed to shake things up and get the bats going.
In a series of transactions, the Giants optioned infielder Christian Koss to Triple-A and designated first baseman LaMonte Wade Jr. and catcher Sam Huff for assignment. In their place, the team promoted outfielder Daniel Johnson and catcher Andrew Knizner from Triple-A and inked first baseman Dominic Smith to a major league contract.
The decision to designate Wade is certainly noteworthy, considering his tenure with the team stretches back to 2021. This move, while significant, isn’t entirely surprising. Wade has struggled mightily this season, posting a subpar slash line of .167/.275/.271 alongside just one home run and 15 RBIs. Despite being a reliable component in previous years, the need for better production at first base has taken precedence, and the team chose to make a decisive change.
Dominic Smith, while not a miracle worker, adds a different dimension to the first base position. With a career batting average of .246 and 64 home runs under his belt, he brings a fresh start. Last year, playing with both the Red Sox and the Reds, he recorded a slash line of .233/.313/.378, contributing six homers and 34 RBIs. The Giants will be hoping he can provide a spark in an underperforming lineup.
The move involving Huff made sense as well, given his struggles at the plate, where he’s managed only a .208 average in 53 at-bats. Knizner, while not a standout offensively, did show some pop during his time with St. Louis, hitting ten home runs in 2023. His experience could be an asset as the Giants look to maximize their production from the catcher spot.
Although Koss performed admirably filling in for the injured Tyler Fitzgerald at second base, his demotion comes with the reality that he hasn’t seen much playing time since Fitzgerald’s return. The Giants are clearly looking to mix things up to find a winning combination.
Daniel Johnson’s promotion is intriguing. A native of Vallejo, Johnson had a solid stint in Sacramento, racking up six home runs since joining the organization last month. If he can translate that success to the big leagues, there might even be a quirky merchandising opportunity waiting to happen for fans familiar with the late musician Daniel Johnston—though that reference may fly over the heads of some supporters!
The moves made by President of Baseball Operations Buster Posey and General Manager Zack Minasian reflect a palpable frustration with the team’s recent performance. Their actions signal a determination to turn the tide and reignite the Giants’ offensive firepower as they strive for better results moving forward. Fans will be hoping these developments bring about the spark the team desperately needs.
