Giants Fans Call for Casey Schmitt to Start

The 27-year-old third baseman has been producing at the plate despite the team's struggles.

Apr. 20, 2026 at 3:37pm

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As the San Francisco Giants continue to struggle in the early part of the 2026 season, fans are calling for the team to give more playing time to third baseman Casey Schmitt. Schmitt, a 2020 second-round draft pick, has been producing at the plate with a .313 batting average, 2 home runs, and 7 RBIs, despite limited playing time. Giants beat writer Jeff Young has made the case that Schmitt's bat needs to be in the lineup more often to help jumpstart the struggling offense.

Why it matters

The Giants are off to a disappointing start in 2026, and fans are looking for any spark to help turn the season around. Giving Schmitt, a promising young player, more playing time could provide that spark and help the team get back on track.

The details

Schmitt, 27, has spent his entire four-year MLB career with the Giants after being drafted in the second round in 2020. He's hit .235 with 25 home runs and 93 RBIs in 736 at-bats so far in his career, mostly in a backup role. However, he's been producing lately, posting a .313 batting average with 2 home runs and 7 RBIs, prompting calls from fans and the media to give him more playing time at third base.

  • Schmitt made his MLB debut in mid-2023.
  • The Giants are currently 3 weeks into the 2026 season.

The players

Casey Schmitt

A 27-year-old third baseman who has spent his entire 4-year MLB career with the San Francisco Giants after being drafted in the second round in 2020.

Tony Vitello

The manager of the San Francisco Giants.

Jeff Young

A beat writer covering the San Francisco Giants for the Around the Foghorn website.

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What they’re saying

“Schmitt has seemingly only gotten better with regular playing time. There is still no path that allows him to see regular playing time at third base, but he is proving his bat needs to be in the lineup. With how the offense has struggled to start the year, there is no way they can leave him out of the lineup.”

— Jeff Young, Giants beat writer

What’s next

Following an off day on Monday, fans will be watching to see if Schmitt's name is in the starting lineup when the Giants begin a three-game series against the Los Angeles Dodgers on Tuesday.

The takeaway

The Giants' struggles early in the 2026 season have led to calls from fans and the media to give more playing time to young third baseman Casey Schmitt, who has been producing at the plate despite limited opportunities. Giving Schmitt a chance to play regularly could provide a much-needed spark for the Giants' offense.