The Giants announced that infielder David Villar cleared waivers and was outrighted to Triple-A. Villar was designated for assignment earlier this week.
Because this is Villar’s first career outright assignment, he doesn’t yet have the ability to opt into free agency rather than accept the assignment to Triple-A. Villar now has that ability going forward in his career, perhaps making for some future transactional wrangling since he is also out of minor league options. That out-of-options status is what required the Giants to DFA Villar, as the club had to first expose him to waivers before sending him down to the minors.
An 11th-round pick for the Giants in the 2018 draft, Villar had a nice rookie season in 2022, hitting .231/.331/.455 with nine home runs over 181 plate appearances. Most of his playing time that year came at third base, but once J.D. Davis took the bulk of the hot corner work in 2023, Villar spent more time at first and second base during his time in the majors. With Matt Chapman taking over third base in 2024 and the Giants’ infield becoming even more crowded with options, Villar played only first base over his 11 MLB games last season.
A lack of offensive production was the larger reason Villar couldn’t find a spot anywhere in the lineup. He hit only .145/.236/.315 over 140 PA in 2023, and then .257/.270/.457 in 37 PA in 2024. San Francisco often cycled Villar up and down from Triple-A for depth purposes during his time with the club, but now that his minor league options have been exhausted, the Giants chose to move onto bench players with more roster flexibility.
I still believe in this guy.
Not everyone hits the ground running. But a guy with his power and good defense can make it, even at the advanced age of 28!
I hope he works out at Second base to increase flexibility and the OF. He could be a good trade candidate as injuries happen this season.
It’s a shame but he had his chances. St some point I hope he gets a shot with another team.
Does anyone know why JD Davis went to arbitration last year? Seems like he could’ve taken a lesser offer and his career would still be on track.
Villar is going to need to really show something in AAA for him to have any trade value at all. Every team had a chance to get him for nothing, but passed on claiming him. The fact that he had decent career AAA numbers, but passed through waivers anyway, says to me he needs even better numbers than what he’s put up before. It’s still possible he’s a late bloomer, but I wouldn’t hold my breath. At least the Giants think enough of him that they didn’t release him.
@ Jean. I agree there’s no trade value here. Some were convinced there was significant trade value (e.g., Villar for Tyler Black). Fans just tend to overvalue their prospects.
Seems like a guy the KBO or NPB might ask the Giants about.
Mexican Baseball League is also an option to build up and make a run at big league level later.
I think you’re spot on right here. He’s at a point where he’s still not ready for the majors, but deserves the playing time to determine where his true skill level resides. A stint in the KBO or NPB could give him better experience and possibly greater remuneration than AAA Sacramento. I wish him luck wherever he ends up!
If Villar had struggled slightly more as a rookie, he might still have a job.