The Giants Are Finding Creative Ways to Play Casey Schmitt

There’s been little for San Francisco Giants fans to be excited about through the first month and a half of the 2026 campaign. With a lack of performance from stars and the face of the franchise on the injured list, former role players have had to step up.

Nobody has done that more than Casey Schmitt. The former two-way standout at San Diego State has completely broken out for San Francisco. With a lineup that consists of superstars Rafael Devers, Willy Adames, and Matt Chapman, he’s been the best all-around hitter of the bunch.

While it may be early for All-Star conversations, Schmitt has kept this offense afloat in the midst of an uninspiring open to the season. The interesting roster construction of the Giants has made it difficult for rookie manager Tony Vitello to keep him in the lineup every day.

With the promotion of Bryce Eldridge — the organization’s top prospect — things got even more interesting. Now, Vitello and the coaching staff have had to get a little creative.

Stats were taken prior to play on May 22.

Schmitt’s Happening

Prior to the signing of Luis Arraez, Schmitt was set to be the Opening Day second baseman. He had shown some encouraging flashes in 2025, and there was zero questions about his defensive ability.

Because of Arraez’s arrival, Schmitt has ended up being the team’s designated hitter for the majority of the year. While his bat had always shown flashes, the Giants have essentially taken away Schmitt’s calling card.

In the minor leagues, scouts believed he had the ability to win Gold Gloves as a third baseman. Obviously, that spot is locked down in San Francisco for the next half decade via Matt Chapman.

However, the 27-year-old has had no problems taking on the traits of a designated hitter. As mentioned earlier, Schmitt has far and away been the club’s best slugger.

It’s been a career year for Schmitt, as he’s posting career-best marks in nearly every offensive category across the board. He’s already nearing his previous career high in homers in a season through just 42 games, his quality of contact has taken a leap forward, and he’s second on the team in fWAR behind Arraez.

Of the qualified hitters in San Francisco’s lineup, Schmitt’s nine home runs, 22 runs driven in, .529 slugging percentage, 144 wRC+, and .866 OPS lead the team.

Now, that may not be the most impressive feat considering how bad the lineup has been as a group. However, when you take a step back and look at where he sits among the entire National League, it gets put into perspective.