As the San Francisco Giants continue to tune things up for the 2026 MLB season, players want to leave a mark on the organization’s brain trust. If a player wants to be remembered during the season and is down in the minors, then Spring Training is a place to stand out.
Well, one player in the Giants’ organization who is trying to stand out above other players is outfielder Grant McCray.
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McCray has spent some time with the big-league club in his career. Yet, when it comes to securing a spot on the Giants’ 40-man roster, then he’s facing some tough competition.
Still, McCray exudes a sense of confidence about himself and his play that has to get Giants manager Tony Vitello’s attention.
“I’ll say it: I want to be on the team opening day,” McCray told Andrew Baggarly of The Athletic in an interview. “I want to play.
“Whatever I can do to help the team, even if it’s just defense, you know, playing against righties, or being a fifth man off the bench, anything that helps this team win, I feel like I’m capable of doing that. It’s exciting. It’s right there. I’ve just got to grab it.”
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McCray has been known to be an effective player on the basepaths for San Francisco.
But he did smash two home runs in a game against the San Diego Padres back in 2024 when he was called up in September.
Vitello has noticed improvement in McCray’s approach to playing, whether it’s at the plate or maybe even as a pinch runner.
“I think he’s a lot more balanced,” Vitello said. “You look at video where he’s just a little out of control or trying to generate power, which he’s capable of. But it’s not necessarily his game to stand in there and wail away. He’s a lot more under control, and he’s certainly got some confidence going for him now too.”
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It’s highly possible that McCray starts the 2026 season, unless he can nail down a spot on the 40-man roster, at Triple-A Sacramento. There, the Giants’ minor-league team will, once again, split time at Sutter Health Park with the Athletics.
But Giants fans who have seen McCray get some time with the big-league club might want to keep an eye on him.
He’s just 25 years old and has a lot of MLB time in his future. McCray just might get that big-league opportunity that turns into a full-time position.
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