Since I’m thinking the Cubs will make almost exclusively small, complementary-type moves this year, and because I think one of their biggest needs (well, big in the size of the hole, but relatively small in impact ) is a straight bat to put out there against lefties, today’s news from San Francisco is on my radar.
Today, the Giants appointed outfielder Hunter Pence for assignment, meaning they will have seven days to surrender, trade or release him.
The 37-year-old outfielder has made a brutal start this year, and at his age you should always keep the possibility open that he is completely washed. I have no particular insight on that front at this point, but I do know that the Trade Deadline is a week away, so the Giants – likely sellers – who are dFAje him now, do not necessarily mean they think he is toasting. It could just mean that they know they will share him or release him. That DFA now, and then chat trade.
Pence had an enormous season for the Rangers just last year, hitting .297 / .358 / .552 in part-time duty (128 wRC +). He was truncated earlier last year because he was treating health issues, but I mean, he just removed lefties last year (.327 / .378 / .636, 155 wRC +). I would be absolutely curious to know if he can still hit a good bit while playing passable corner-field here and there like DH’ing.
Right now, if the Cubs want to go max rights, they have to rely on guys like Albert Almora and Josh Phegley, plus Ian Happ and Victor Caratini from their weaker side. Steven Souza (hamstring) could be back later this month, but who knows what you’ll get there. If Pence has anything left over, he could be a solid addition to the banking group.
Something to keep in mind: Cubs’ former assistant GM Scott Harris is now the GM in San Francisco, so there could easily have been some open lines of communication, even before Pence was DFA’d. During these times, it takes a lot to coordinate a trade – from knowing as much as possible about the player’s health and how to handle the pandemic, to knowing about the cap’s performance material, to knowing if you giving the right can give up a little bit of value, for the money – so having that prior relationship is no small thing.
The cost of buying a man like Pence would probably be “virtually nothing”. It’s worth a phone call or two to see if you can pick him up this year for picking up a small portion of his prorated $ 3 million contract. And if he does deviate, I usually doubt he will be sued, because even $ 500,000 is a lot of money in this environment, but he can delete and then look for a team to sign him quickly.
