The San Francisco Giants are evaluating their options for the center field position, which might not favor Lee Jung-hoo for the upcoming 2026 season. Recent reports from the San Francisco Chronicle indicate that the Giants are actively exploring outfield possibilities, with reported interest in veteran player Harrison Bader. This comes as the team prepares for winter meetings scheduled for December 8.
Bader, a seasoned major league player with nine years of experience, had an impressive 2023 season, playing 146 games for both the Minnesota Twins and Philadelphia Phillies. He achieved a batting average of .277, an on-base percentage of .449, and recorded 17 home runs along with 54 RBIs. Aside from his batting prowess, Bader is known for his exceptional defensive skills, having won a Gold Glove award while playing center field for the St. Louis Cardinals in 2021. During the last season, he demonstrated solid defensive metrics, featuring a Defensive Runs Saved (DRS) of +6 and an Outs Above Average (OAA) of +3 over 56.3 innings in center field.
The Giants recently added depth to their outfield by acquiring Justin Dean from the Los Angeles Dodgers via waiver claim and trading for Joey Wimmer from the Miami Marlins—players known for their defensive capabilities rather than hitting. This clear focus on enhancing the outfield’s defensive quality suggests a strategic shift for the team as they prioritize solid fielding in the upcoming season.
Lee Jung-hoo, who played center field for San Francisco last season, struggled significantly with his defensive metrics, finishing with a DRS of -18 and an OAA of -5, marking him as one of the weakest center fielders in the league. Adapting to the challenging conditions of Oracle Park, particularly the expansive right-center and the strong sea breeze, proved difficult for him.
Interestingly, MLB Trade Rumors posits that Lee might be more suited to playing right field, given his strong arm. Giants’ baseball operations president Buster Posey acknowledged this possibility in a recent general manager’s meeting, stating that while Lee could continue in center field, the entire outfield group must improve its defensive performance. He emphasized the need for a comprehensive evaluation and necessary adjustments once the coaching staff is finalized.
As the Giants continue to assemble their roster, fans are hopeful that these strategic moves will bolster the team’s overall defensive presence, paving the way for a more competitive season ahead.