Andy Marlin-USA TODAY Sports
The Giants are aiming for depth with ceilings rather than an established catcher behind Buster Posey.
They did not make much of a run at Stephen Vogt and did not find the lefty-hitting complement in free agency who would help hold the position until Joey Bart arrives. Instead, they have spoken optimistically about Aramis Garcia, nabbed far-off Bryan Torres in the Rule 5 draft and now have signed Tyler Heineman to a minor-league pact, the 28-year-old announced Monday.
Heineman, a switch-hitter, is a type that the Farhan Zaidi administration likes: a good walk rate, a low strikeout rate and potentially some power.
Last year, the UCLA product slashed .336/.400/.590 with 13 home runs in 273 Triple-A plate appearances, split before Arizona and Miami affiliates — both in the asterisk-filled Pacific Coast League. Impressively, he struck out 35 times and walked 21. He debuted in the majors with the Marlins in September and became a free agent after the season.
Heineman would figure to start the season at Triple-A Sacramento and be around for depth, especially important if Garcia, who batted .143 in 18 games last year, continues to struggle.