The San Francisco Giants announced the signing of Mitch Haniger to a three-year, $43.5 million contract on the second day of the 2022 MLB Winter Meetings in San Diego. Haniger’s deal includes an opt-out clause after the 2024 season.
The structure of Haniger’s contract is somewhat unorthodox as he received a $6 million signing bonus and will earn a $5 million salary in 2023. Haniger’s salary then increases to $17 million in 2024, and should he remain under contract with the Giants, it would amount to making $15.5 million in 2025.
Haniger will receive a $1 million assignment bonus if traded, and agreed to make an annual donation to the Giants Community Fund ($55,000 in 2023; $85,000 in 2024; and $77,500 in 2025).
The Los Angeles Dodgers were among the teams with reported interest in Haniger, who hit .246/.308/.429 with eight doubles, 11 home runs, 34 RBI and a 113 wRC+ for the Seattle Mariners this past season. However, the 31-year-old played in just 57 games due to a high ankle sprain and two-week stint on MLB’s COVID injured list.
It was a down year after Haniger set career highs during the 2021 season in home runs (39), RBI (100), runs scored (110) and match a career-best in games played (157).
Haniger a candidate to be extended the $19.65 million qualifying offer for 2023 but the Mariners ultimately decided against doing so.
There’s some who believe Haniger will be among the batters who benefit by MLB implementing a limit on defensive shifts.
Giants remain in Aaron Judge sweepstakes
Even with the signing of Haniger, multiple reports indicate the Giants are still in pursuit of Aaron Judge.
It’s believed Judge is down to deciding between re-signing with the New York Yankees and joining his hometown Giants.
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