The San Francisco Giants have made a move to bolster their outfield depth, acquiring outfielder TJ Hopkins from the Cincinnati Reds in exchange for cash or a player to be named later. The Reds designated Hopkins for assignment last week, making him available for trade.
Hopkins, who will turn 27 next month, made his MLB debut this past season but struggled at the plate, going 7-for-41 with no extra-base hits and 17 strikeouts in 44 plate appearances. However, his performance in Triple-A Louisville was much more impressive, as he posted a .308/.411/.514 batting line with 16 home runs and 18 doubles.
Throughout his minor league career, Hopkins has shown consistent improvement in both his walk and strikeout rates, making him an enticing addition to the Giants’ roster. He has primarily played left field but also has experience in right field and center field.
The addition of Hopkins will provide the Giants with a right-handed bat to balance out their heavily left-handed outfield mix, which includes the likes of Michael Conforto, Mike Yastrzemski, and newly signed center fielder Jung Hoo Lee. Mitch Haniger, Austin Slater, Luis Matos, Heliot Ramos, Blake Sabol, and Wade Meckler round out the outfield options for the Giants.
With two minor league option years remaining, Hopkins gives the Giants flexibility and depth in their outfield rotation. The move also allows Haniger to potentially see time at designated hitter as he enters the second season of a three-year contract.
Overall, the trade for Hopkins adds another dimension to the Giants’ outfield and provides them with a versatile and promising player as they look ahead to the upcoming season.