The San Francisco Giants have officially acquired outfielder Joey Wiemer from the Miami Marlins. This transaction involves a cash exchange following Miami’s decision to designate Wiemer for assignment as they finalized their roster ahead of the Rule 5 Draft deadline.
Joey Wiemer’s Background
Joey Wiemer, now 26, was initially drafted by the Milwaukee Brewers in the fourth round of the 2020 MLB Draft. He earned recognition as a top prospect, appearing on MLB.com’s top-100 list for both 2022 and 2023. However, his prospects have declined in recent years.
Previous Trades and Career Overview
The Brewers traded Wiemer to the Cincinnati Reds in a deal involving Jakob Junis and Frankie Montas in early 2024. The Reds subsequently sent him to the Kansas City Royals alongside Jonathan India, in exchange for right-hander Brady Singer. The Marlins claimed Wiemer off waivers shortly after the trade deadline in 2023.
Performance in Major League Baseball
- Wiemer has played in parts of three seasons with the Brewers, Reds, and Marlins.
- In his rookie season (2023), he hit 13 home runs and stole 11 bases.
- His career batting average stands at .205, with an on-base percentage of .279 and a slugging percentage of .359 over 499 plate appearances.
- Against left-handed pitchers, he has a better than average power performance, with a slash line of .255/.298/.484 in 173 plate appearances.
Defensive Skills
Wiemer is regarded for his defensive capabilities. He can effectively play all three outfield positions. His defensive metrics highlight his value, with positive marks in each position. He boasts a total of 11 Defensive Runs Saved and 7 Outs Above Average over 1249 innings of play in the outfield.
Roster Implications for the Giants
As Wiemer is out of minor league options, he must remain on San Francisco’s 40-man roster or risk being designated for assignment again. He is projected to be a potential bench option and could platoon with left-handed hitter Drew Gilbert in right field. The Giants also have former prospects Luis Matos and Marco Luciano competing for similar roles, both of whom have struggled recently.
Catcher Andrew Knizner’s Situation
In a related move, catcher Andrew Knizner has been designated for assignment. Turning 31 in February, Knizner was eligible for arbitration and was expected to earn approximately $1.3 million for the upcoming season. He recorded a batting average of .221 over 88 plate appearances with the Giants this season and has struggled historically with framing and blocking pitches.
The Giants now face decisions regarding their roster as they explore trade options for Knizner before the impending non-tender deadline.
Final Notes
The acquisition of Joey Wiemer emphasizes the Giants’ focus on strengthening their outfield options. As they assess their roster and consider potential trades, Wiemer’s performance and defensive skills may play a crucial role in the upcoming season.
