All articles tagged with #outfield defense
Harrison Bader signed a two-year, $20.5 million contract with the San Francisco Giants, calling the move a perfect fit to maximize playing time on a winning team. He praised the Giants’ talent, new front office and coaching staff, and referenced familiar teammates like Matt Chapman and Willy Adames (and Rafael Devers) to illustrate the roster’s upside as he enters his seventh MLB club.
San Francisco signs Harrison Bader to a two-year, $20.5 million contract (max $21 million with incentives), adding a premier defensive center fielder after a strong 2025 season (.277/.347/.449 with 17 homers in 501 PA) while the Giants’ offense may rely on defense and rotation depth; the deal keeps payroll considerations in mind as SF continues to explore other moves like second-base targets.
With Bo Bichette signing to play third, Brett Baty’s position is unsettled; while he has only limited left-field experience, scouting notes praise his athleticism and arm, and his sprint speed suggests he could handle the corner outfield if he refines his first step, routes, reads, and throwing accuracy, making him a potential versatile piece rather than an everyday left fielder.
The Angels acquired Josh Lowe in a three-team trade and are evaluating him for the center-field job, hoping his left-handed bat adds balance to a right-handed outfield. Lowe has limited center-field experience and mixed defensive metrics, so he may serve as a bridge until top prospect Nelson Rada is MLB-ready.
New York Yankees' outfielder Juan Soto has been working diligently to improve his outfield defense, seeking advice from former Gold Glove center fielder Jackie Bradley Jr. and receiving coaching from the Yankees' third base coach and outfield instructor, Luis Rojas. Soto's renewed commitment to his defense and base running is evident in his early season performances, as he aims to shed his reputation as an average outfielder and potentially contend for a Gold Glove. Soto's offseason work and dedication to improving his throwing, routes, and overall outfield play demonstrate his determination to become a complete player, not just an offensive force.
Juan Soto's electrifying debut with the New York Yankees included a game-saving throw from right field to home plate, showcasing his defensive prowess alongside his on-base skills and patience at the plate. Soto's impact was felt throughout the game as the Yankees rallied for a come-from-behind win, with his presence already shaping the team's offensive approach. His debut performance highlighted why the Yankees made a significant trade to acquire him, and his potential to be a game-changer for the team this season.
The Minnesota Twins plan to use Byron Buxton primarily as a designated hitter early in the 2023 season to keep him healthy for the full year. Buxton has a history of injuries, and the Twins want to slowly build him up to center field work. This decision may cut into Buxton's value early in the year, as his defensive skills are highly valued. However, the Twins' outfield defense remains strong with Michael A. Taylor, Joey Gallo, and Max Kepler. The Twins do not have an established everyday designated hitter, and Alex Kirilloff, Jose Miranda, Nick Gordon, and Donovan Solano could rotate through that spot.