The San Francisco Giants have acquired infielder Scooter Gennett from the Cincinnati Reds, according to Ken Rosenthal of The Athletic:
Scooter Gennett to #SFGiants, source tells The Athletic.
— Ken Rosenthal (@Ken_Rosenthal) July 31, 2019
Gennett has struggled mightily since he returned to action on June 28 after missing nearly three months due to a strained right groin. In 20 games with the Reds, Gennett was slashing .212/.232/.258, and had failed to hit a home run.
The Giants will be betting on the 2017 and 2018 versions of Gennett, who clubbed a combined 50 homers while hitting over .300 with an OPS over .850.
San Francisco has gotten little to zero production from everyday second baseman Joe Panik, so it makes sense that they would take a flyer on Gennett returning to form. However, this is yet another interesting move in what was an odd trade deadline for the Giants.
Farhan Zaidi had a tough decision to make on Wednesday: buy or sell? Just over a month ago, it was all but certain that San Francisco would do the latter, likely parting ways with Madison Bumgarner and Will Smith. But the Giants were 18-6 in July entering play on Wednesday, and just 2.5 games back of a Wild Card spot in the National League.
Yet, the Giants did not necessarily buy or sell. Rather, Zaidi parted ways with dependable relievers like Sam Dyson and Mark Melancon while also sending Drew Pomeranz to the Milwaukee Brewers. Simultaneously, he added Gennett, albeit at a very low cost.
Zaidi probably feels that the Giants might be able to win on the margins. He was able to get some young talent and cash for the relievers while also keeping Bumgarner and Smith and adding a potential slugger in Gennett.
Still, it feels like a missed opportunity for a full-scale rebuild in San Francisco, though that is easier said than done with an ardent fan base intent on winning.
Follow Us
Subscribe