The San Francisco Giants are turning to Harrison Bader and Casey Schmitt to provide offensive stability as they struggle through a 15-24 start, tied with the New York Mets for the worst record in the National League. Bader is expected to return from the injured list soon after missing a month with a left hamstring strain. Schmitt, meanwhile, has been the team's best hitter with a 144 wRC+ in 129 plate appearances, but his role may shift as the team promotes Bryce Eldridge.
Bader’s 2025 season with the Twins and Phillies was a career best, as he hit .346 wOBA with a 122 wRC+ and 17 home runs in 501 plate appearances. However, some of his success was fueled by a .359 BABIP, which was well above the league average. His actual performance did not match his expected numbers, as his .297 xwOBA was below his actual .346 wOBA. Still, the Giants would be thrilled if Bader can return to that level of production.
The Giants’ current starting outfield of Heliot Ramos, Drew Gilbert, and Jung Hoo Lee has been underwhelming. Only Ramos is an average hitter with a 100 wRC+ through 150 plate appearances. Lee has a 96 wRC+ and poor defensive metrics, while Gilbert has struggled in the majors despite his high pedigree as a first-round pick. Bader’s return could provide a defensive upgrade in center field and a more consistent bat.
Casey Schmitt has been the Giants’ offensive bright spot, but his role is in flux. He has mostly served as a DH, but manager Tony Vitello has said Schmitt is athletic enough to handle the corner outfield if handled “intelligently.” Schmitt has taken outfield reps during batting practice and has above-average arm strength and sprint speed in the 72nd percentile. The Giants cannot afford to take Schmitt out of the lineup, but converting him into a utility player could maximize his value.
On the pitching side, Sam Hentges is set to return from a rehab assignment. The 6’8” lefty had a 3.85 ERA in his last three seasons with the Guardians and is expected to bring groundball-inducing stuff back to a Giants bullpen that ranks in the bottom ten in fWAR. His ability to generate groundballs at a 53.4% rate in his career could help stabilize the Giants’ late-game innings.
The Giants will look to Bader’s return and Schmitt’s versatility to turn around their season as they face the Phillies on Friday.
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