The Giants have requested unconditional release waivers on veteran outfielder/designated hitter Hunter Pence, tweets Andrew Baggarly of The Athletic. Pence was designated for assignment over the weekend.
The reunion between Pence and the Giants was a feel-good story for San Francisco fans over the winter. The team’s longtime right fielder, viewed as a key part of two World Series pushes, walked away with his head held high upon conclusion of his five-year, $90MM deal at the end of the 2018 season. There was some debate as to whether Pence had anything left in the tank at that point, given poor showings in 2017-18. He responded by heading retool his swing in the Dominican Winter League, landed a roster spot with his hometown Rangers and turned in a huge rebound effort last year in Arlington: .297/.358/.552 in 316 plate appearances.
Unfortunately for Pence, the Giants and their fans, that production didn’t carry over into 2020. Pence logged just 56 plate appearances and posted a .096/.161/.250 batting line. Despite his undeniable leadership and the positive influence he had on young Giants players, the club simply needed more production out of his roster spot.
Pence was gracious as ever, profoundly thanking the organization and its fans for all of the memories he’s piled up over the years. Pence chatted with Baggarly in a phone interview following the DFA, stating that he is “overwhelmed with appreciation” for everything that has transpired in his Giants tenure. He added that he plans to stay ready in case another opportunity presents itself in 2020, but he didn’t have any definitive comments on his plans beyond the current season.
Assuming he clears release waivers — it’s unlikely that another club would claim the $548K remaining on this year’s prorated $1.08MM salary — Pence will become a free agent who is eligible to sign with any team in 48 hours.
Red Sox are getting him
Hunter Pence will be a forever Giant. Great player.
One of my favorite players.
How can you not root for Pence?
Because Hunter Pence eats pizza with a fork and knife
If that’s his worst habit that’s AOK.
Some Pizza you have to eat with a knife and fork.
If you have to use a knife and fork then it’s a casserole, not a pizza. Or something like that.
I would have to disagree. I cant eat Numero Uno pizza by hand… for example.
That opens up a whole different debate. Is Chicago style pizza a pie or pizza?
Real pizza is when you can fold your triangle slices like a taco and then choke on the cheese. This the new york pizza way.
Deep dish pizza is a casserole. So you’re okay there.
Superman wears Hunter Pence Underoos
I eat my candy bar the same way.
Mr. Pitt?
Lol!
He also thinks Kansas City is in Kansas
Hunter Pence thinks Game of Thrones is “just ok.”
How can you not root for Pence? Cueto would like to have some words with you lol
Phils or Indians but can’t play CF but Heredia can.
why would Philly need him?
I think they mean the Pirates
so I guess by releasing the giants only lose some 250k right?
They lose whatever his contract is.
Prorated
Nixed Pence, none the richer.
Same the jays already acquired a guy who’s hitting .94
I think any team would be interested in someone hitting .940. Unfortunately, Pence is not..
they meant .094
Guy had a great resurgence in ‘19; a great year, but I think that was his last good run. At his age he’s likely done. Someone will probably pick him up to fill in somewhere but we’re seeing the end to a great career.
I think so. But it might just be that the high expectations of his past history stymied him at Oracle. His 2018 was really terrible too, and he just couldn’t get it going again until he left SF. There’s an off chance that he might thrive again elsewhere if another team wants to give him a shot.
If the Rangers didn’t re sign him after a decent ‘19, given the miserable way they are playing, they must have known/seen something wrong.
Not necessarily. I think he was thrilled to return to SF where he had come into his own as a player and that he chose the Giants; lots of good feelies there, and if I recall, other teams were looking at him in the offseason. Maybe he just put too much pressure on himself to succeed in SF.
I don’t doubt if his excitement to return to McCovey Cove. Anyway, unfortunate for him. Always an exciting player to watch.
Just on a different note.
Anyone notice that Trout is getting pitched to this year and Rendon is not.
Sorry, I thought this was the Bundy thread.
The Angels stink this year, who cares?
The reds should pick him up. Someone needs to lite a spark in the Queen City.
Rob Refsnyder to the refcue!!!
Wait for him to clear, then offer him (a) a spot at the Alternative Site this year and (b) a coaching position next year.
Don’t know if he’d be interested (he’s made a lot of money) but my sense is that Hunter would make a phenomenal minor league coach/manager.
loved watching him play even though he looks like he was put together with spare parts.
31 bWAR puts him 806 all time. definitely not Hall of Fame but a very good player.
Walked away with his pants held high
Seems like a potential bounce back candidate
CHAMPION BLOOD
Any interest out there for tubby Pablo ? Good solid .200 hitter !
Pablo can go
Tubby as the Panda may be, he’s achieved a career of success that us snarky literary critics will never even sniff at. 3 WS rings and WS MVP 2012. Now a bench piece soon gone from the Show. One thing for sure, his bank account is way bigger than his waistline and probably not as big as your mouth.
Hunter Pence liked Godfather III