The SF Giants have been disappointed with veteran infielder Tommy La Stella's performance over the past two seasons. In fact, the Giants will try to trade La Stella this offseason, per a report by Bob Nightengale of USA Today.
"The Giants are hoping to trade infielder Tommy La Stella this winter," Nightengale wrote. "He had surgery on both Achilles tendons last winter and struggled this season. He’s owed $11.5 million next season."
La Stella signed a backloaded three-year, $18.75 million contract with the Giants prior to the 2021 MLB season. La Stella was coming off a career year in the pandemic-shortened 2020 season. He hit .281/.370/.449 in 55 games with the Angels and Athletics that season and walked more than twice as many times as he struck out. He was also an All-Star in 2019.
It's unclear what kind of market the Giants expect to find for La Stella. He posted a meager .239/.282/.350 line this season and was far from exceptional, recording a .250/.308/.405 triple-slash in 2021. Furthermore, his already below-average defensive range took another step back.
It was recently revealed that La Stella underwent surgery on both of his Achilles tendons last offseason, which could make it easier for another team to believe he can bounce back next season. Still, while a team could believe he can improve at the plate in 2023, would that be enough to make up for his defensive limitations?
Since the Giants might plan to release La Stella if they are unable to find a trade partner, it's easy to envision them covering a significant chunk of La Stella's $11.5 million salary in 2023 for an interested team. A trade would likely save San Francisco some money and possibly even give them a chance to recoup a low-level prospect.
The SF Giants hoped Tommy La Stella's tenure with the team would go very differently. However, according to a report by Bob Nightengale, the front office has plans to trade the 33-year-old infielder this offseason.
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