The Giants have signed infielder Johan Camargo to a minor league deal, per his transactions tracker at MLB.com. He already reported to Triple-A Sacramento, going 2-5 in last night’s game.
Camargo, 29, has spent many years as a versatile utility player in the majors but hasn’t been able to crack the big leagues this year. He was outrighted by the Phillies last year and became a free agent. This year, he has bounced to the Royals, Tigers and now Giants on minor league deals.
The first of those deals went fairly well, apart from the fact that an injury kept Camargo out of action until mid-May. Once healthy, he hit .298/.412/.544 for Triple-A Omaha. Despite that strong showing, he didn’t get a roster spot with the Royals and triggered an opt-out in his deal, returning to the open market. But he wasn’t able to carry that performance to the Tigers’ organization, hitting .238/.295/.400 for Triple-A Toledo and getting released just over a week ago.
Prior to this year, he’s played in 416 major league games with Atlanta and Philadelphia. His .255/.313/.410 batting line amounts to a wRC+ of 90, or 10% below league average. But he’s been able to play all four infield positions and the outfield corners, generally earning solid grades for his glovework, especially at third base.
He has now joined his third organization of the year and will try to get back to the big leagues as a Giant, which might be challenging. Middle infielders Brandon Crawford and Thairo Estrada both returned from the injured list recently, improving the overall infield depth. Brett Wisely, Casey Schmitt and Marco Luciano are all on the 40-man but currently on optional assignment. Since Camargo isn’t on the roster, he might have a tough time getting the call before anyone in that group.
If Camargo is able to get onto the roster, he could provide the Giants with an extra two years of control. His service time count is currently at four years and 104 days. He would need another 68 days to hit the five-year mark, which he won’t be able to do at this point in the calendar. That means he could be retained twice via arbitration before getting to six years and automatic free agency.
Wish the best of luck to this guy, he was a very solid third baseman for Atlanta in 2019.
Sometimes the age of guys blows my mind… can’t believe Carmago is only 29 cuz he’s been around so long.
Right? It feels like he should be 34 at least.
Can he hit? The Giants offense has been putrid for two months now. If the opposition can score three or more runs, it’s basically been an automatic loss for SF. Thankfully their pitching has kept them in the WC race.
I don’t know. If any organization is looking to the likes of Camargo for an offensive boost for the stretch drive, it may be time for a deep organizational audit this winter.
he definitely proved that he can hit in the mlb compared to the rookies the Giants put out there, in Wisely and Schmitt..
I looked at MLB HR leaders yesterday and the first Giant to show up was…80th (JD Davis)!!!!
Putrid is apt.
This guy has value. For what the G’s do. Scrap heap diving. Again. The G’s are racking up wins. They have a Lot of needs. Who doesn’t. Still a few seasons away I think from serious contention. But lots of middling depth with hitters who get hot. Like Flores. Great streak he’s on. Still need a front line starter or two. And some health issues hindrance their lineup. I think it will come together again at some point. Like the 107 win team. Maybe next season.
They are hanging tough. You would think/hope the offence is going to turn around. There’s still a maybe this season.
It’s been pretty glaring indication of just what a lost offseason the Giants had last winter. Of the 5 significant free agents they brought in, only Taylor Rogers has been of any significant value.
He’s got the work ethic of a hobo.
Got tired of his uninspired act in Atlanta.
I’m more excited about Heliot Ramos making loud contact