First Edition of Under the Radar Players that the Giants Could Target: Hunter Pence

Leading up to the trade deadline, I will be reviewing some under the radar players that the Giants could secretly be targeting. Some of these players might not be linked to the Giants, but remain possibilites. I will be publishing two to three editions of day, so check back often.


Hunter Pence, Philadelphia Phillies

The Phillies have a steep hill to climb to get back in the National league playoff race. Despite winning their past four games, they may be looking to be sellers at the deadline.  With  Roy Halladay, Cliff Lee, Cole Hamels, Ryan Howard, and Chase Utley all making $15+ million per year, the Phillies can’t afford to keep all of their second tier players.  Pence is making $10.4 million in 2012, and is arbitration eligible next year and the Phills could be looking to move him.

Pence’s stats might not be super appealing, but he would be a massive upgrade for the Giants, particularly in the power department where’s he’s totaled 17 home runs this season. Pence also possess a decent amount of speed, and is a solid defensive player.  Just for comparison, all Giants outfielders have combined to hit just 26 long balls, making Pence an immediate upgrade.

At the age of 29, he’s in his prime and could help the Giants now and in the future. Philadelphia's asking price will remain high despite the need to shed salary, but Pence remains under team control for another year and a half, and could be worth the hefty price tag.

Posted in: Hunter Pence