[ad_1]
SAN FRANCISCO – Kris Bryant has long been the face of the Chicago Cubs.
His new bosses in San Francisco were delighted that joining the Giants meant so much to him, despite the emotions of leaving the only major league team he had ever known.
Bryant grew up in Las Vegas and loved watching Giants slugger Barry Bonds – and now the all-round star will have the chance to play not only in the former home run king’s place in left field, but all over the diamond.
The No. 1 Giants caused a stir just before Friday’s trade deadline when they acquired Bryant from the Cubs for two minor leagues.
“I couldn’t be more excited to be a Giant,” said president of baseball operations Farhan Zaidi. “I have had a number of phone calls after interacting with players. I have never spoken to a player more enthusiastic about joining a new organization.”
Bryant, 29, whose 2016 National League MVP season helped the Cubs win their first World Series title in 108 years, was told while wearing his Chicago uniform and was shown battling emotions in the visitors’ canoe in Washington.
The Giants were hoping Bryant could cross the country in time for Saturday afternoon’s game with the Astros at Oracle Park, although his travel plans are still being finalized as San Francisco prepares to host Houston in the game. opening of the series.
“I just feel like he’s a perfect match for our roster, getting another midrange right handed hitter,” Zaidi said. “Given the crisis, it’s a conversation we’ve had for a while with the Cubs.”
San Francisco were looking for an experienced third baseman who can also play in multiple positions given the club are without Evan Longoria in the hot turn due to a shoulder sprain since June 5, when he left. injured in a collision with shortstop Brandon Crawford. Longoria is on the 60-day injured list.
Giants manager Gabe Kapler can imagine Bryant playing multiple positions in the same game, beating anywhere from second to fifth, and Zaidi called him “a modern ball player.”
Chicago received right-hander Caleb Kilian and outfielder Alexander Canario as part of the deal, with the Giants taking over the remainder of Bryant’s big contract that pays him $ 19.5 million this year.
Bryant, 29, who can become a free agent after this season, was one of the best players available on the market as the underwhelming Cubs sold multiple stars. He’s hitting .267 with 18 home runs and 51 RBIs.
Bryant, a four-time All-Star, was the 2015 NL Rookie of the Year before his MVP campaign a year later.
The surprising Giants started the day with a three-game lead in the NL West over their biggest rivals, the defending World Series champions Los Angeles Dodgers.
San Francisco watched anxiously as the Dodgers acquired ace pitcher Max Scherzer and all-star shortstop Trea Turner from the Nationals before Friday’s trade deadline.
Kapler said everyone in the clubhouse was eager to welcome Bryant.
“Today was really important to us,” Kapler said. “The players, I think they will gain confidence from the step we have taken.”
Canario, 21, was defeating .235 with nine home runs and 29 RBIs in 65 games for Class A San Jose this season. He was the Giants’ ninth prospect, according to MLB.com.
Kilian, 24, is 6-2 with a 2.13 ERA in 15 starts between Class A Eugene and Double-A Richmond this year. He has 96 strikeouts and just nine walks in 84 2/3 innings.
[ad_2]
Source link