It has been a quiet MLB offseason for the Giants.<\/p>\n
Despite hiring Tony Vitello as their new manager<\/a> in October, it’s increasingly unlikely the team will make a big-name roster acquisition before the upcoming 2026 season. Most recently, the team added to the pitching rotation in early January, agreeing to contracts with right-handers Tyler Mahle<\/a>, Adrian Houser<\/a> and Jason Foley<\/a>.<\/p>\n One player that will be notably absent from the Giants’ future roster is former infielder\/designated hitter Wilmer Flores, who concluded his six-year career with San Francisco and is now in MLB free agency. He spoke positively of his time in the Orange and Black on MLB Network’s “Hot Stove”<\/a> show Thursday.<\/p>\n “My time in San Francisco was amazing; it was a lot different than with the [New York] Mets,” Flores said. “The way I see it, it’s like two different players, starting my career with the Mets and then when I got to the Giants things were a lot easier because I had a lot of experience and I was still learning.”<\/p>\n The 13-year MLB veteran held a .249 batting average with 92 home runs in his six-year stint with the Giants and inferred that he is still in the prime of his playing career when asked about future opportunities. <\/p>\n “My hope is to keep playing, I still have a lot to give and as we know, the offseason is moving a little slow, but you know, staying ready,” he said.<\/p>\n Flores became known for his consistent clutch power-hitting in Oracle Park’s pitcher-friendly conditions. His numerous big hits in crucial situations made him a favorite in the clubhouse. He reflected on what he learned from the Giants’ training staff.<\/p>\n “When I got to San Francisco I learned more about what pitches to look [for] and how to do damage,” he said. “When I came up, I was a good bat-to-ball skill guy, I just didn’t know how to generate power; when I got to the Giants, I started using my lower half a little more and driving the ball.”<\/p>\n Flores specifically noted former Giants hitting coach, Justin Viele, as a driving influence behind his improved at-bat approach.<\/p>\n “When I got to the Giants, Justin Viele was there, he helped me a lot with how to use my power, I was just using my upper half to hit and wasn’t using my lower half,” Flores praised.<\/p>\n Viele is now a hitting coach for the Texas Rangers, and front office advisor Bruce Bochy’s role as former Rangers manager might have influenced Mahle to join him in San Francisco. Pitching additions are a step in the right direction, but how will the Giants’ front office approach filling Wilmer’s offensive impact?<\/p>\n