OAKLAND, CA – SEPTEMBER 18: Tommy La Stella #3 of the Oakland Athletics bats during the game against the San Francisco Giants at RingCentral Coliseum on September 18, 2020 in Oakland, California. The Athletics defeated the Giants 6-0. (Photo by Michael Zagaris/Oakland Athletics/Getty Images)
Tommy La Stella is reportedly joining the San Francisco Giants to add depth to their infield.
The San Francisco Giants have been in a bit of a rough patch since winning three World Series titles between 2010-2014. 2020 was actually an inspiring season, as the Giants finished at 29-31 and just missed the playoffs.
Now the team appears on the verge of competing in 2021 and reportedly made a solid addition by signing Tommy La Stella to the infield. He comes across the Bay after about one month with the Oakland Athletics last season.
La Stella joining the Giants
La Stella began the 2020 season with the Los Angeles Angels before being traded to the A’s in August. That saw him reach the ALCS and keep his stock high after being an All-Star in 2019.
He is a dynamic infielder who can line up just about anywhere, but sees most of his time at second and third base. His deal will reportedly be for three years.
La Stella joins the Giants as a left-handed bat who can be used strategically against right-handed pitching, whether that be as a starter or in a pinch-hit role. He will now fight to get some time over Evan Longoria, Donovan Solano, and Wilmer Flores.
The veteran’s best shot is to land in a platoon role at either second or third. He has never posted a negative WAR in any of his seven MLB seasons and should find a way to insert himself into the lineup.
The Giants were once a powerhouse in the National League. Now the team has steadily been rebuilding while also carrying some major contracts. Small moves like this may help the team get better situationally and avoid a total rebuild where all salary is shed and a true reset must take place.