SAN FRANCISCO — The major offseason deals won’t happen until closer to December’s Winter Meetings, but the Giants made another minor move Friday.
Outfielder Joey Wiemer was acquired from the Miami Marlins in exchange for cash considerations, with catcher Andrew Knizner getting designated for assignment to clear a roster spot. Wiemer, 26, had been DFA’d by the Marlins earlier this week.
A fourth-round pick in 2020, Wiemer reached the big leagues with Milwaukee in 2023 and had a solid rookie year, hitting 13 homers but posting a wRC+ of 76. He has played just 48 games since and has been traded twice.
Wiemer and old friend Jakob Junis got sent to Cincinnati at the deadline in 2024. That offseason, he was part of the Jonathan India-Brady Singer swap between the Reds and Kansas City Royals. This past August, he was claimed by the Miami Marlins, who let him go earlier this week as part of 40-man roster shuffling.
Wiemer has a wRC+ of 74 in the big leagues, which is below league-average, but it’s easy to see the traits that stood out to the Giants. In 2023, when he got his most big league action, he ranked in the 89th percentile in sprint speed and was worth six Out Above Average. He is capable of playing all three outfield spots, and the Giants have made it clear that improving their outfield defense — which ranked 30th last year — is one of their top priorities this winter.
The front office has now traded for Wiemer and claimed Justin Dean, who is an excellent defender and also can play all three spots. It appears the Giants are preparing to make real changes with their outfield mix, which includes multiple young players who are out of options.
Knizner was let go on a day when teams have to decide whether to tender contracts to arbitration-eligible players. Jesus Rodriguez is the current favorite to be Patrick Bailey’s backup, but the Giants will add additional depth.
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