San Francisco Giants Trade Rumors 2016: Denard Span Agrees to Three-Year Deal
The San Francisco Giants finally got the right player who looks to be the best available talent out there to fill in the team's weakness. On Thursday, the team announced that free-agent Denard Span agreed to a three-year, 31-million deal, officially giving them a versatile player on the outfield and can also be a leadoff hitter.
Team general manager Bobby Evans released a statement right after the announcement, recognizing the potential contribution of Span to the club. "I'm very pleased to strengthen our ball club with an excellent field and solid top-of-the-order hitter who has a great track record," he said.
After making some of the biggest offseason moves in signing right-hander Johnny Cueto and Jeff Samardzija, the Giants now have combined as formidable pitching roster to that of a potent defense in the field. It has been very expensive though for a team who disappointingly missed the playoffs this season, a year after winning the World Series in 2014. Aside from the $130 million contract for Cueto and the $90 million deal for Samardzija, the Giants also signed Brandon Crawford to a $75 million contract for six years. But those signings, including Span, will certainly give the team its strongest lineup in years.
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The 31-year-old batted .301 last season, along with five home runs and 22 RBIs while playing in 61 games for Washington; he could have done more if not for recurring injuries to his left hip, right core, and back. But with the news of San Francisco giving him a long team contract, it implies that he already may have gotten over those injuries before the start of spring training.
Aside from Washington, Span also played for Minnesota and has produced a career average of .287 and with a .352 on-base percentage. In his entire career, he so far has recorded 152 stolen bases. The versatility he has is something the Giants are looking forward to utilizing come next season.
