The San Francisco Giants spent $220 million on pitching this offseason, but they aren't done yet. They still have a need in left field following the departure of Nori Aoki. Might they consider signing a shortstop to fill that void?
There haven't been many rumors surrounding former Washington Nationals shortstop Ian Desmond, but ESPN's Buster Olney wrote yesterday that the veteran may need to consider signing a one-year deal and undertake a super-utility role for the 2016 season in order to replenish his value, which would give him a better shot at landing a long-term deal next offseason due to the lack of talent that will be available.
Could Desmond be a fit in the Giants' outfield if he opts to go down that road?
"Desmond could get most of his starts in left field for San Francisco, but he's a tremendous athlete and could play center field, while giving the Giants right-handed depth and injury protection at shortstop, second base and third base," Olney wrote today, following up his column from Tuesday. "If the Giants wanted to give left-handed-hitting shortstop Brandon Crawford or left-handed hitting second baseman Joe Panik a day off, Desmond could slide into the infield for a spot start against a tough left-handed pitcher like Clayton Kershaw."
Previous rumors suggested the Giants were unwilling to add another $150 million contract to their payroll as many speculated they could make a run at Yoenis Cespedes or Justin Upton. Both outfielders are expected to land long-term lucrative deals coming off of productive 2015 campaigns, but Desmond is not in the same boat.
The 30-year-old endured one of the worst seasons of his MLB career in 2015 thanks to a .233/.290/.384 stat line and 27 errors at shortstop. He also belted 19 home runs, batted in 62 runs and stole 13 bases, but those were his lowest totals in those categories since the 2011 season.
Desmond reportedly turned down a seven-year, $107 million extension from the Nationals two offseasons ago and now experts project him to land a deal between $80-$90 million over five or six years. Those predictions came from ESPN's Jim Bowden, Tim Dierkes of MLBTradeRumors.com and Jon Heyman of CBS Sports.
However, that seems like it might be too high for a number of clubs to consider even though he's the best shortstop available and still among the best in the MLB. There aren't many teams in dire need of a shortstop. The few clubs that might be - the San Diego Padres, Chicago White Sox and New York Mets - probably aren't going to pay such a price due to their payroll situations/unwillingness to spend/upcoming prospects in their farm system.
Desmond may have to consider becoming a more versatile player based on how the market is shaping up at the moment, so keep an eye on the possibility of him signing with the Giants.
