The San Francisco Giants have acquired outfielder Joey Wiemer from the Miami Marlins in exchange for cash considerations. This move comes after the Marlins designated Wiemer for assignment as part of their roster adjustments ahead of the Rule 5 Draft deadline. In a corresponding transaction, the Giants designated catcher Andrew Knizner for assignment.
Wiemer, 26 years old, was originally drafted by the Milwaukee Brewers in the fourth round of the 2020 MLB Draft. He gained recognition as a top prospect, making MLB.com’s top-100 list in both 2022 and 2023. However, his prospects have faced challenges over the past seasons, leading to multiple trades. Initially traded to the Reds as part of a deal involving Frankie Montas, he was later moved to the Kansas City Royals alongside Jonathan India for pitcher Brady Singer. Wiemer joined the Marlins via waivers earlier this August.
During his time in the majors, Wiemer has played parts of three seasons with the Brewers, Reds, and Marlins, showcasing decent power as a rookie in 2023 with 13 home runs and 11 stolen bases. However, his overall hitting statistics leave something to be desired, as he carries a career batting line of .205/.279/.359 over 499 plate appearances. Notably, Wiemer shows promise against left-handed pitchers, hitting .255/.298/.484 in those matchups.
Defensively, Wiemer is adept in all three outfield positions and has received praise for his defensive abilities, supported by positive metrics including 11 Defensive Runs Saved and 7 Outs Above Average in 1,249 innings. As he is out of minor league options, Wiemer will need to remain on the Giants’ 40-man roster throughout the offseason. He is slated to compete for a bench role, potentially platooning with left-handed hitter Drew Gilbert in right field, along with fellow former prospects Luis Matos and Marco Luciano, both of whom are also out of options.
On the other hand, Knizner, who turns 31 this February, has been a serviceable catcher but struggled at the plate, posting a .221/.299/.299 batting line over 88 plate appearances this season. His defensive skills have improved, although he still faces challenges in certain areas. Knizner was projected to earn $1.3 million in arbitration for the upcoming season, leading the Giants to explore trade options in case they decide to part ways with him before the non-tender deadline.
This transaction highlights the Giants’ ongoing strategy to revamp their roster while hoping to infuse utility and versatility into their outfield mix moving forward.