Giants claim outfielder Andreoli off waivers
SAN FRANCISCO -- The Giants added another outfielder Friday by claiming John Andreoli off waivers from Texas.
Among the newcomers, Andreoli joins Rule 5 draftee Drew Ferguson, who is waiting to make his big league debut, and former Tiger Mike Gerber, who was designated for assignment after the Giants signed left-hander Drew Pomeranz on Jan. 23. Gerber cleared waivers, was optioned to Triple-A Sacramento and received a non-roster invitation to big league camp.
The right-handed-hitting Andreoli has endured a dizzying last few weeks. The Mariners designated him for assignment on Jan. 10 to clear room on their 40-man roster, was claimed off waivers by the Rangers on Jan. 15, then was designated for assignment on Jan. 29 after Texas acquired right-hander Shawn Kelley.
Andreoli, 28, has compiled decent production in eight Minor League seasons, explaining his tendency to find employment quickly. He owns a career slash line of .270/.373/.388 in the Minors. Andreoli received his first Major League experience last year, batting .230 in 26 games with Seattle and Baltimore.
The Giants have yet to acquire a proven big league outfielder. Gerber and Andreoli have combined to appear in 44 big league games.
The most experienced outfielders among the Giants' homegrown prospects are Austin Slater, who played 108 games combined the last two years, and Mac Williamson, who appeared in 120 games the previous four seasons. Chris Shaw played 22 games during his late-season stint in 2018 and Steven Duggar, the likely center fielder and leadoff hitter, appeared in 41 games before he sustained his season-ending shoulder injury on Aug. 29.
Aside from Bryce Harper, who hasn't been seriously linked to the Giants this offseason, outfielders available in free agency include Derek Dietrich, Carlos González, Adam Jones, Cameron Maybin and Gerardo Parra.
Outfielders believed to be available in a trade include Detroit's Nicholas Castellanos, Atlanta's Adam Duvall, Toronto's Randal Grichuk and Milwaukee's Eric Thames.