Casey Schmitt

Schmitt started the season in a first base platoon but suffered an oblique injury in mid-April, sidelining him for a month. After returning from the IL, he became the primary third baseman while Matt Chapman was out. In late June, he was hit by a pitch on the hand, leading to another IL stint. After a brief absence, Schmitt played nearly every day, primarily at second base. Despite some skill improvements, his production did not match his Statcast expected numbers. His barrel and hard-hit rates are average, and his strikeout rate is slightly elevated. With similar OPS marks against left- and right-handers, he profiles better as a utility option and struggles in full-time action, so it wasn't a major surprise when the Giants added Luis Arraez to start at second base. Now positioned for a utility role, Schmitt is expected to be healthy by Opening Day after undergoing off-season wrist surgery. Read Past Outlooks