Giants' Infield Loaded with All-Star Talent for 2026 Season

Adames, Arráez, Chapman, and Devers headline a star-studded Giants infield as they aim to return to the playoffs.

Published on Feb. 24, 2026

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The San Francisco Giants' infield is shaping up to be one of the most talented in baseball for the 2026 season. Shortstop Willy Adames, second baseman Luis Arráez, third baseman Matt Chapman, and first baseman Rafael Devers headline the group, giving the Giants a formidable lineup on the infield. While the left side of the infield with Adames and Chapman is set, the right side with Arráez and Devers comes with some questions, particularly on the defensive end. The Giants are hoping that new infield coach Ron Washington can help shore up those areas. Top prospect Bryce Eldridge could also factor into the mix at first base or designated hitter. Overall, the Giants' infield has the potential to be one of the best in the league, but there are still some uncertainties that need to be addressed in spring training.

Why it matters

The Giants' infield is critical to the team's success in 2026 as they look to return to the playoffs. With star power at every position, the Giants have the potential to have one of the most productive infields in baseball. However, defensive questions at second base and first base could hold the team back if they are not addressed. The development of top prospect Bryce Eldridge will also be key, as he could provide a boost to the lineup.

The details

The Giants' infield is headlined by shortstop Willy Adames, third baseman Matt Chapman, second baseman Luis Arráez, and first baseman Rafael Devers. Adames and Chapman are both locked up on long-term deals and proved their worth in 2025, with Adames hitting 30 home runs and Chapman providing elite defense before an injury. Arráez is a three-time batting champion, but his defense has been a weakness, and the Giants are hoping infield coach Ron Washington can help him improve. Devers is making the transition to first base after being acquired in a trade, and while his offense should provide a boost, his defense at the position is an unknown. Top prospect Bryce Eldridge could also factor into the mix, likely as a designated hitter.

  • Adames had a breakout second half in 2025, posting an .848 OPS and 3.8 WAR from June 10 onward.
  • Chapman missed about a month in 2025 due to a hand injury, and his production declined after returning.
  • Arráez has won three batting titles, but his defense has been a liability, ranking as one of the worst defenders in baseball over the last five seasons.
  • Devers is gearing up for his first season as a full-time first baseman after being acquired by the Giants in a trade.

The players

Willy Adames

The Giants' starting shortstop, Adames hit 30 home runs in 2025, the first Giants player to reach that mark since Barry Bonds in 2004.

Luis Arráez

A three-time batting champion, Arráez is known for his elite bat-to-ball skills, but his defense at second base has been a weakness.

Matt Chapman

The five-time Gold Glove Award winner at third base, Chapman missed about a month in 2025 due to a hand injury, and his production declined after returning.

Rafael Devers

Devers is making the transition to first base after being acquired by the Giants in a trade, and while his offense should provide a boost, his defense at the position is an unknown.

Bryce Eldridge

The Giants' top prospect, Eldridge could factor into the mix at first base or designated hitter this season.

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What they’re saying

“We're all really optimistic about (Washington) getting Luis into a good spot defensively. And then the bat - he's the best bat-to-ball guy in all of baseball. You look at the strikeout rate last year, he's won three batting titles. … Then, as far as the defense, there's not going to be for a lack of effort and work on his part and the coaching staff.”

— Buster Posey, President of Baseball Operations (modbee.com)

“Coming in, I already knew what he could do for our lineup and what type of year he could put together. … I don't put as much weight on exactly what the statistics say, but he's a presence in the lineup that can affect how the other team has to gameplan. But also, I've had to be in the dugout when you're gameplanning against a guy like that. You know it makes the other guys in the lineup better, too.”

— Tony Vitello, Manager (modbee.com)

What’s next

The Giants will be closely monitoring Arráez's defensive progress under the tutelage of infield coach Ron Washington during spring training, as his glove will be a key factor in the team's success in 2026.

The takeaway

The Giants have assembled one of the most talented infields in baseball, with star power at every position. However, the team will need to address defensive concerns at second base and first base in order to maximize the potential of this group. The development of top prospect Bryce Eldridge will also be crucial as the Giants look to return to the playoffs in 2026.