In a year haunted by injuries, off-years and what might possibly go down as the worst season in decades for the franchise, it’s no secret the Giants have plenty of headaches to relieve before they can consider competing in 2018.
And while the problems swirl from an inconsistent pitching staff to lackluster offensive production, there’s one glaring complication staring straight into the heart of San Francisco’s front office… and it’s in right field.
Hunter Pence has been a staple in the Giants’ clubhouse since being brought over from Philadelphia for Nate Schierholtz in 2012. He’d go on to win a World Series that year and another one in 2014, both energized by his animating, inspirational speeches. The visuals of sunflower seeds spewing over a massive Giants huddle with Pence in the center and all of AT&T Park engaging in “Yes! Yes! Yes!” chants are images forever cherished by Giants faithful. In 2013, he won San Francisco’s Willie Mac Award, after a clubhouse vote determined Pence was the most inspirational player on the team. He’s cherished by fans and he’s cherished by teammates. But if the Giants want to improve to compete in 2018, which they do, then it’s time to consider Pence’s future with the club.
The Giants’ outfield is not good. Denard Span, who’s done an admirable job in center so far, is on the back end of his career and isn’t a permanent fit for the job. Gorkys Hernandez has shown flashes of defensive excellence, but doesn’t maintain the skill set or offensive power to nail down an every day role. Jarrett Parker and now Austin Slater have crumbled at the hands of the seemingly-haunted left field position. And San Francisco’s beloved, scooter-riding reverend, 34-year-old Pence, is starting to show his age.
Injuries have plagued Pence ever since 2015 when a broken left forearm in the third game of spring training sidelined him for the beginning of the year, and two separate trips to the disabled for wrist tendinitis and a strained oblique ended his season. He seemed healthy in 2016, until he strained his hamstring and missed two months. After playing in all 162 games in both 2013 and 2014, Pence played in just 52 in 2015 and 106 in 2016. Cue 2017, where another hamstring strain has already sent Pence to another DL stint.
With a massive question mark in left field that’s been emphasized since April, the Giants simply can’t afford to play starting outfielders that aren’t healthy. Even the back-up options are starting to wither with Slater being the most recent call-up to succumb to the injury bug.
San Francisco’s outfield defense is dead last in the majors when ranked by defensive runs saved at -34. The offense isn’t much better. The Giants currently ranked fourth-to-last in baseball in RBI with 342. The Giants outfield, in this case, Pence, Span, Slater and Hernandez combined, only account for 80. For perspective, Houston, MLB’s highest rated offense, has a starting outfield that’s accounted for 114 of the team’s RBI.
To put it bluntly, to even consider the Giants as a viable organization that’s going to make a run, they need a younger, healthier and more powerful outfield. And for as much as he’s treasured, Hunter Pence is the exact opposite. His 2017 stats of .252/ .300/.360 ring in considerably lower than 2016’s .289/ .357/ .451. He’s hit just six home runs in the first half, when the Pence of 2013 bashed 27 and followed 2014 with 20. He’s on the decline of a well-respected career, which isn’t necessarily a bad thing, it’s just how baseball goes.
So yes, as much as it hurts, it makes sense. Should the Giants want to compete, they need to make some changes, albeit reluctantly. The problem that lies ahead however is Pence’s contract. Pence is currently in his fourth season of a five-year, $90 million contract, where he earns about $18 million annually. It’d be difficult to conduct a trade as almost no team would be willing to pick up that amount of money for a player who is inevitably past his prime. And on the off chance that a team does want to take a chance on him, Pence’s contract includes a full no-trade clause, meaning the Giants can’t trade him without his consent.
What does this mean? While it doesn’t ensure he won’t be traded, it makes a potential trade unlikely and gives Pence an opportunity to prove himself. The Giants basically rocketed themselves out of competition in April, so the second half of 2017 is going to be heavy on trial and error and seeing what players are showcasing come next year. Should Pence manage to stay healthy and demonstrate signs of his old self, then the Giants can table making a decision. If not, they’ll have a tough decision to make regarding 2018, including plateauing Span and Pence and pursuing a younger candidate to eventually take over.
What the front office absolutely can’t do if they want to succeed is hold on to Pence longer than his value because of the nostalgia he brings. The Giants are loyal to their players, which is admirable and warming to see in a professional organization. But it’s harmed them, both because of his salary and performance-wise. The Giants’ appreciation of Pence is an emotion that rings alarmingly symmetrical to players like Matt Cain and Tim Lincecum, who although at one point were the faces of the organization, eventually ended up being a liability. San Francisco’s habit of holding on to players has done more harm than good, and will continue to damage them if they don’t drop the hammer now.
I don’t want to see Hunter Pence leave the Giants. Nobody does. He’s etched himself as the lovable fan-favorite and the head honcho of the band of misfits that somehow managed to keep coming out on top. But reality has been creeping up on the Giants for a long time coming. It’s time to accept it. If Pence can’t show signs of a personal turnaround, he won’t be apart of the Giants hope for a turnaround come next year.