The San Francisco Giants designated outfielder Hunter Pence for assignment on Sunday, prematurely ending a reunion that brought the fan-favorite outfielder back to a franchise that he had helped win two World Series titles.
Pence re-signed with the Giants after spending the 2019 season with the Texas Rangers, where he seemed to have revitalized his career after hitting .297 with 18 home runs in only 83 games after being picked up by the AL West club.
After inking a one-year, $3 million deal with his old team over the offseason, San Francisco and manager Gabe Kapler hoped that Pence would give them some offensive production during what looked to be a rebuilding season, but that didn’t end up being the case.
Pence has batted only .096 in 56 plate appearances, notching a pair of home runs and just 6 RBI. He totaled only 5 hits in 17 games.
Kapler mentioned the desire to give younger players a chance to prove themselves as opposed to continuing to play the 37-year-old yet was part of the team’s decision.
The veteran outfielder will now have to either be traded to another team or sign with a club after clearing waivers if he is to have another shot in the big leagues.
