Marco Luciano DVOA, Advanced Stats, & Fantasy Rankings

The San Francisco Giants optioned outfielder Marco Luciano and reassigned infielder Bryce Eldridge to minor-league camp on Wednesday, according to the San Francisco Chronicle's Susan Slusser. Per MLB Pipeline, Eldridge is considered the Giants' top prospect in 2025. Additionally, the Giants optioned right-hander Mason Black (No. 12) and reassigned left-handers Raymond Burgos, Miguel Del Pozo and Ethan Small, and right-handers Kai-Wei Teng and Cole Waites to minor-league camp. After being moved from shortstop to the outfield this spring, the 23-year-old Luciano will open the year at Triple-A Sacramento after going only 2-for-19 in spring training. If he's back in San Fran in 2025, it will likely be in a reserve outfield role. Eldridge, 20, went 2-for-11 with a homer and two RBI in eight spring games. While he's certainly stash-worthy in dynasty leagues, given his age, he definitely could use more minor-league seasoning.

San Francisco Giants manager Bob Melvin said that infielder Marco Luciano will play a corner-outfield spot in spring training. Luciano admitted on Friday that he felt "totally lost" in the batter's box last year and said he wasn't ready mentally for winter ball and wanted to concentrate on getting in shape first and foremost. The team's former top prospect slashed .211/.259/.303 with a .562 OPS, no homers, three RBI and 28 strikeouts in 81 plate appearances over 27 games for the Gigantes last year. It's unclear if the Giants are giving up completely on him being an infielder, but Luciano is now blocked at the 6 by Willy Adames. The 23-year-old's defense at shortstop wasn't all that great, either, so they'll give him a try in the outfield this year and he'll likely open the year at Triple-A Sacramento. Now is a good buy-low opportunity for those in dynasty/keeper leagues.

San Francisco Giants president of baseball operations Buster Posey said that the team is looking for a shortstop this offseason. Tyler Fitzgerald impressed at the 6 in his rookie season, but he can also play multiple positions. Meanwhile, the Giants hope that moving infielder Marco Luciano to the outfield will help him unlock his true potential offensively. If Fitzgerald continues to hit like he did this year, the Giants will find a place for him in their everyday lineup. In 96 games after debuting in 10 games in 2023, Fitzgerald hit a strong .280/.334/.497 with an .831 OPS, 15 home runs, 34 RBI, 17 steals and 53 runs scored. Over a full season, that kind of production will be very attractive in all fantasy leagues. Luciano has struggled defensively up the middle and also hit just .211/.259/.303 with no homers and 28 K's in 76 at-bats in 27 games in 2024.