Lack of power hitting continues to haunt San Francisco Giants
A general view of Oracle Park before the game between the San Francisco Giants and the Washington Nationals.
Barry Bonds’ last major league game was on Sept. 26, 2007. Nonetheless, the former Giants outfielder still looms large over the organization.
Bonds holds a distinction with the Giants. He is the last player to hit at least 30 homers in a season, having done so in 2004.
Bonds reached the 30-homer mark five times going back to the beginning of the century, with Jeff Kent (twice) and Rich Aurilia (once) joining him on that list.
The Giants have attempted to address their lack of power in recent years. Kris Bryant was acquired at the 2021 trade deadline. According to Andrew Baggarly of The Athletic, the Giants had questions about aspects of his game, leading to their eschewing a reunion.
The Giants were among the finalists for outfielder Aaron Judge, with Jon Heyman incorrectly reporting that he was headed to San Francisco before Judge returned to New York. Shortstop Carlos Correa was almost a Giant, but concerns from his medicals led to a breakdown of the deal.
For all of their efforts, third baseman Matt Chapman is the best power hitter the team has signed. Chapman has hit over 30 homers before; maybe he can break that streak.
Oracle Park is a factor. Anthony Dicomo from MLB.com reported that J.D. Martinez had rebuffed the Giants’ offer because of their ballpark.
According to Statcast, Oracle Park has an 80 park rating when it comes to home runs, with 100 being average. Only Progressive Field in Cleveland is worse for power hitters.
The lack of power hitters has not always been a hindrance. The Giants won the World Series in 2010, 2012 and 2014 while making five appearances in the postseason. Any team would take that run of success.
Yet the Giants stand out as an anomaly in the current era of baseball, a team trying to find success without a true slugger in the lineup.
The San Francisco Giants have not had a 30-home run hitter since Barry Bonds in 2004. That may not change as power hitters avoid Oracle Park.
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