The San Francisco Giants have been busy reshaping their roster this week, and the moves keep coming. On Friday, the club designated outfielder Wade Meckler for assignment to make room for newly signed pitcher Adrian Houser, continuing a stretch of transactions that’s reshaping the depth chart heading into 2026.
Houser In, Meckler Out
Let’s start with the headline move: Adrian Houser is officially on board, agreeing to a two-year, $22 million deal that includes a club option for a third season. The veteran right-hander is coming off the best season of his career, posting a 3.31 ERA over 21 starts while splitting time between the White Sox and Rays. That kind of consistency and experience is exactly what the Giants’ rotation needed - a steady middle-rotation presence who can eat innings and keep games competitive.
Houser’s career 4.06 ERA across nine seasons tells the story of a pitcher who’s been solid, if not spectacular, but his 2025 performance suggests he may be entering a late-career peak. If he can replicate anything close to last season’s form, this deal could end up being a bargain for San Francisco.
The Roster Crunch
But with every addition comes a subtraction, and the Giants had to clear space on the 40-man roster to make room for Houser. That meant parting ways with Wade Meckler, a player who, not long ago, looked like he might be part of the club’s future.
Meckler’s rise through the minors in 2023 was nothing short of electric. His speed and on-base skills earned him a quick call-up, but injuries and roster depth have kept him from returning to the majors since.
In 2025, he put together a solid campaign with Triple-A Sacramento, slashing a .760 OPS with one home run and 32 RBIs over 401 plate appearances. He also showed versatility, logging time at all three outfield spots and even dabbling at second base.
Still, the Giants’ front office had to make a tough call. Meckler profiles best as a corner outfielder, but without much power in his bat, his fit becomes tricky - especially on a roster already crowded with outfielders who either offer more pop or more glove.
An Outfield Logjam
And that’s really the crux of the Giants’ current situation. Even after designating both Meckler and Joey Wiemer for assignment this week, the outfield remains crowded - and unsettled.
Right now, only Jung Hoo Lee and Heliot Ramos have clearly defined roles for 2026. Lee brings elite contact skills and defense, while Ramos finally seems to be turning the corner as a potential everyday contributor. Beyond that, it’s a mix of potential and question marks.
Luis Matos, Justin Dean, and Jerar Encarnación are all still in the mix, but none are locks. Matos and Encarnación are bat-first players who have yet to prove they can consistently hit big-league pitching.
Dean, on the other hand, is a glove-first option with limited offensive upside. It’s a group with talent, but also one that lacks clear answers heading into spring.
What’s Next?
The Giants have already made three roster moves this week - adding Jason Foley, designating Wiemer, and now bringing in Houser while DFA’ing Meckler. And there’s likely still more shuffling to come. With the 40-man roster now back at capacity, any new additions will require further subtractions.
This is the kind of roster churn that happens when a team is trying to thread the needle between competing now and building for the future. The Giants are clearly trying to strengthen their pitching staff while figuring out which outfielders can stick at the big-league level.
There’s no question the front office is being aggressive - and calculated. Houser brings stability to the rotation.
Foley adds another weapon to the bullpen. And while parting ways with players like Meckler is never easy, it’s part of the cost of doing business when you’re trying to build a contender.
The Giants aren’t done yet. But with each move, the picture for 2026 is coming into sharper focus.