As spring training winds down, the SF Giants are gearing up for their Opening Night clash with the New York Yankees. With roster spots still up for grabs, it’s a great time to check in on some familiar faces from the Giants' past. Some former players are making waves with their new teams, while others are finding the going a bit tougher.
Mike Yastrzemski
Let’s kick things off with Mike Yastrzemski, who inked a two-year, $23 million deal with the Atlanta Braves in the offseason. Judging by his performance in Florida, the Braves might have snagged a bargain.
In just 23 at-bats, Yastrzemski has racked up 10 hits, including four homers and a double. His bat is sizzling, and with fewer games at Oracle Park, he could be poised for a power-packed season.
Kai-Wei Teng
Kai-Wei Teng’s departure didn’t leave many Giants fans in tears, especially after a challenging season with a 6.37 ERA over 30 innings. However, he seems to be finding his groove with the Houston Astros.
Sporting a 3.12 ERA in 8 2/3 innings this spring, Teng is making a strong case for a spot on the roster, possibly even eyeing a rotation role. It looks like Houston might be just the right fit for him.
Thairo Estrada
On the flip side, Thairo Estrada, once a standout for the Giants, is facing some struggles. After a solid stint with San Francisco, he moved to the Colorado Rockies, where he posted a .253/.285/.370 slash line over 39 games.
Now with the Baltimore Orioles, Estrada was brought in to bolster their infield depth amidst injuries. However, with only two hits in 22 at-bats, his chances of making the team are slim.
Joc Pederson
Joc Pederson’s recent career has been a bit of a roller coaster. After a stellar 2022 with the Giants, he had a dip in 2023, bounced back with the Diamondbacks in 2024, but struggled mightily with the Texas Rangers last season, hitting just .181/.285/.328 over 96 games.
Unfortunately, his spring training with the Rangers isn’t showing much improvement, with only four hits in 24 at-bats. It’s not the rebound he was hoping for after last year’s slump.
While it’s just spring training, and these early performances might not dictate the regular season, it’s always intriguing to see how former Giants are faring in their new environments.