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Giants Shake Up Lineup with Bader Signing, Lee Position Shift
Offseason moves raise questions about outfield alignment, closer role, and roster needs
Apr. 10, 2026 at 6:43pm by Ben Kaplan
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The San Francisco Giants have made some major moves this offseason, including signing center fielder Harrison Bader to a two-year deal and shifting Jung Hoo Lee to right field. This has sparked debates about position changes, roster needs, and the closer role as the team heads into spring training.
Why it matters
The Giants are looking to build on their success from last season and make a deep playoff run. These offseason moves will have a significant impact on the team's lineup, defense, and bullpen, and could determine how competitive they are in the NL West.
The details
The Bader signing means Jung Hoo Lee will shift from center field to right field, a position he has experience with from his time in the Korean league. While Lee is an above-average runner with a strong arm, his defensive metrics in center field last season were below average. The Giants hope the position change will maximize his potential, though there are questions about whether his bat will profile better in right field. The team also has prospects like Luis Matos waiting in the wings. Meanwhile, the Giants have been focused on upgrading second base and the bullpen, with the closer role up for grabs after losing key relievers like Camilo Doval and Tyler Rogers. Framber Valdez remains unsigned, raising questions about whether the Giants should be more aggressive in pursuing starting pitching help.
- The Giants signed Harrison Bader to a two-year deal on April 7, 2026.
- The team officially welcomed Bader during a press conference on April 10, 2026.
The players
Harrison Bader
An American professional baseball outfielder who was recently signed by the San Francisco Giants to a two-year deal.
Jung Hoo Lee
A South Korean professional baseball outfielder who will be shifting from center field to right field for the Giants.
Buster Posey
The President of Baseball Operations for the San Francisco Giants.
Zack Minasian
The General Manager of the San Francisco Giants.
Luis Matos
A Giants prospect who is running out of minor league options and could be a wildcard in spring training.
What they’re saying
“We must not let individuals continue to damage private property in San Francisco.”
— Robert Jenkins, San Francisco resident
“Fifty years is such an accomplishment in San Francisco, especially with the way the city has changed over the years.”
— Gordon Edgar, grocery employee
What’s next
The Giants will need to determine their starting lineup and bullpen roles during spring training, including who will be their closer for the 2026 season.
The takeaway
The Giants' offseason moves have created a lot of intrigue and debate around their roster construction, particularly in the outfield and bullpen. These decisions will be crucial in determining how competitive the team is in the NL West this season.
