© Ron Chenoy | 2018 Sep 24
The Giants might soon have a new second baseman.
Following Thursday morning’s news that the Nationals have reportedly agreed to a one-year, $9 million deal with former Dodgers second baseman Brian Dozier, the market for infielders is expected to heat up.
The Giants are reportedly already in the mix, listening to deals for 2B Joe Panik, and showing interest in free agent 2B DJ LeMahieu, according to multiple reports.
The infield market is about to start moving quickly with Brian Dozier headed to the Nationals, league sources tell ESPN. D.J. LeMahieu and Jed Lowrie are in play, and there’s a new name percolating: The Giants are talking with teams about deals for Joe Panik, sources tell ESPN.
— Jeff Passan (@JeffPassan) January 10, 2019
#SFGiants are among the teams showing interest in LeMahieu, sources tell The Athletic. https://t.co/c0eUdQIjEN
— Ken Rosenthal (@Ken_Rosenthal) January 10, 2019
Panik, 28, signed a one-year, $3.8 million deal with the Giants earlier this offseason. According to Alex Pavlovic of NBC Sports Bay Area, the Giants have been interested in LeMehieu for a while, but didn’t think signing him would be a realistic option with Panik in the fold. That could all change if they can find a trade partner for Panik.
LeMehieu, 30, has spent the last eight big-league seasons with the Colorado Rockies, winning two Gold Gloves (including one in 2018) and making two All-Star appearances during that time. LeMehieu posted a slash line of .276/.321/.428 with 15 homes runs in 126 games last season. According to Spotrac, LeMehieu is expected to command a deal worth $13.9 average annual salary on the open market.