The San Francisco Giants have bolstered their outfield by acquiring outfielder Joey Wiemer from the Miami Marlins for cash considerations, the team announced on Friday morning. This move continues the Giants’ strategy of enhancing their outfield depth ahead of the 2024 season.
In conjunction with the trade, the Giants designated catcher Andrew Knizner for assignment as they approach the non-tender deadline later today. MLB Trade Rumors estimates that Knizner would have earned approximately $1.3 million in arbitration.
Wiemer, 26, was previously designated for assignment by the Marlins earlier this week. He has played over parts of three seasons in Major League Baseball (MLB) with the Marlins, Milwaukee Brewers, and Cincinnati Reds. Across 180 career games, Wiemer has recorded a batting average of .205 and an on-base plus slugging (OPS) of .638, contributing 16 home runs and 12 stolen bases.
During the 2023 season, Wiemer showed flashes of potential while with the Brewers, hitting 13 homers and stealing 11 bases in 132 games. His defensive capabilities are particularly noteworthy; he has saved 11 defensive runs and recorded +7 outs above average in the outfield. According to Baseball Savant, Wiemer ranked in the 86th percentile for arm strength last year, indicating his strong defensive presence.
With Wiemer’s arrival, the Giants now have ten outfielders on their 40-man roster. This group includes notable players such as Jung Hoo Lee, Heliot Ramos, Justin Dean, and Wade Meckler. The Giants have made a concerted effort to improve their outfield defense after ranking last in the majors for outs above average (-18) in 2025. They also posted the third-fewest defensive runs saved (-21) in the league last season.
In addition to Wiemer’s trade, the Giants will need to decide on contracts for right-hander JT Brubaker and left-hander Joey Lucchesi before the non-tender deadline. MLB Trade Rumors projects that Brubaker and Lucchesi could earn $2.1 million and $2 million in arbitration, respectively.
Catcher Jesus Rodriguez, acquired in the Camilo Doval trade, is now positioned as the likely backup for Patrick Bailey in the upcoming season. The Giants are expected to continue their efforts to add depth at the catcher position as the offseason progresses.
This series of moves reflects the Giants’ commitment to strengthening their roster as they prepare for the challenges of the new season.
