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Schmitt Earned a Secure Role With Giants Before Injury
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- Schmitt Earned a Secure Role With Giants Before Injury
(© Stephen Brashear-Imagn Images)
There is no reason to minimize what happened to the San Francisco Giants in 2026. They endured another deeply disappointing season .
San Francisco finished 65-97, recording its third-highest loss total since the franchise moved to the city in 1958.
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The Giants also missed the postseason for the fifth consecutive year and finished 35 games behind the Los Angeles Dodgers in the National League West.
Tony Vitello completed his first season as manager, and the results likely fell well short of what he envisioned when he accepted the position.
However, not every development from the season was negative.
As San Francisco begins what should be an extremely important offseason, the organization must recognize the positive developments that emerged during a difficult 2026 campaign.
The Giants have numerous problems to address, but Casey Schmitt is not one of them.
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Why Giants can build around Schmitt
Schmitt became one of San Francisco's most encouraging developments during the season.
He did not enter the year with a permanent role already established. His performance, however, should have secured his place on the roster moving forward.
Schmitt finished the season hitting .271 with 21 home runs, 55 RBI and a .784 OPS in 98 games.
His year ended after he suffered a torn left meniscus against the Milwaukee Brewers on July 27.
The injury prevented Schmitt from completing his season, but he had already done enough to establish his importance to San Francisco's future.
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The Giants spent several years searching for the next homegrown player capable of earning a meaningful role on a competitive roster. Schmitt gave them a clear answer.
His defensive versatility also increases his value entering 2027.
Rafael Devers, Matt Chapman, Willy Adames, Jung Hoo Lee and Bryce Eldridge are already expected to play significant roles for San Francisco next season. Schmitt demonstrated that he can give Vitello another dependable option.
Schmitt's upside
Schmitt's ability to handle different defensive positions provides the Giants with flexibility when constructing their lineup. Vitello can move players according to matchups, injuries or rest requirements without removing Schmitt's bat from the order.
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That versatility also reflects Schmitt's willingness to adjust. Instead of requiring one position to remain productive, he can prepare for several assignments and contribute wherever the team needs him.
Schmitt also showed the confidence necessary to take advantage of an opportunity that was not guaranteed. He entered the season without a secure long-term role but forced San Francisco to reconsider its plans through his performance.
His power adds another dimension to his game, but his value is not limited to home runs. Schmitt can contribute defensively, handle changing responsibilities and give the lineup greater depth.
Recovering from the left torn meniscus will be his next challenge. San Francisco does not need him to become the centerpiece of its offense. The Giants need Schmitt healthy, adaptable and ready to retain the role he earned during 2026.
