Wiemer: A Defensive Upgrade with Offensive Potential

Wiemer, 26, has bounced around the majors, having previously played for the Marlins, Milwaukee Brewers, and Cincinnati Reds. While his career batting average sits at .205 with a .638 OPS over 180 games, his defensive prowess is the primary reason for San Francisco’s interest. He displayed flashes of offensive capability in 2023 with the Brewers, hitting 13 home runs and stealing 11 bases in 132 games.

Defensively, Wiemer has proven to be a significant asset. He’s accumulated 11 defensive runs saved and a +7 Outs Above Average in 178 games in the outfield. Baseball Savant data also reveals his strong arm, ranking in the 86th percentile for arm strength last year. This acquisition directly addresses the Giants’ glaring defensive deficiencies in the outfield, where they ranked last in the majors in Outs Above Average (-18) in 2025 and third-worst in Defensive Runs Saved (-21).

Did You Know?:

The Giants now boast a crowded outfield, with 10 players on the 40-man roster: Jung Hoo Lee, Heliot Ramos, Justin Dean, Jerar Encarnacion, Drew Gilbert, Marco Luciano, Luis Matos, Grant McCray, Wade Meckler, and now Joey Wiemer. This depth provides manager Bob Melvin with options and flexibility as he constructs his lineup.

Navigating the Arbitration Landscape

The decision to designate Knizner for assignment highlights the difficult choices teams face as they approach the non-tender deadline. San Francisco still needs to determine the fate of right-hander JT Brubaker and left-hander Joey Lucchesi, who are also eligible for arbitration. MLB Trade Rumors projects Brubaker at $2.1 million and Lucchesi at $2 million. These decisions will significantly impact the Giants’ payroll and roster composition.

The emergence of Jesus Rodriguez, acquired in the Camilo Doval trade, as a potential backup catcher adds another layer to the Giants’ offseason plans. Rodriguez is now considered the frontrunner to back up Patrick Bailey, though the team is expected to continue exploring options to bolster the catching position.

Pro Tip:

What impact will Wiemer’s defensive skills have on the Giants’ overall team performance? And how will the Giants balance their need for outfield depth with their financial considerations regarding arbitration-eligible players?

Frequently Asked Questions About the Giants’ Roster Moves

• What is Joey Wiemer’s primary strength as a baseball player?

  Joey Wiemer’s primary strength is his exceptional defense in the outfield. He consistently ranks highly in defensive metrics like Defensive Runs Saved and Outs Above Average.

• Why did the Giants designate Andrew Knizner for assignment?

  The Giants designated Andrew Knizner for assignment to avoid the projected $1.3 million arbitration cost. This decision reflects the team’s assessment of his value relative to their financial constraints.

• How many outfielders are currently on the Giants’ 40-man roster?

  The Giants currently have 10 outfielders on their 40-man roster, indicating a significant emphasis on building depth in that position.

• What is the significance of the non-tender deadline for MLB teams?

  The non-tender deadline is a critical date where teams must decide whether to offer contracts to arbitration-eligible players. Players not tendered a contract become free agents.

• Who is expected to be Patrick Bailey’s backup catcher for the Giants next season?

  Jesus Rodriguez, acquired in the Camilo Doval trade, is currently the leading candidate to become Patrick Bailey’s backup catcher.