The San Francisco Giants finished the season 65-97 and placed fourth in the National League West, ending 35 games behind the Los Angeles Dodgers.

That performance leaves president of baseball operations Buster Posey with several important roster needs to address before 2027.

Rafael Devers, Jung Hoo Lee, Willy Adames, Matt Chapman, Casey Schmitt and Bryce Eldridge are expected to return. However, injuries and San Francisco’s activity at the trade deadline left much of the supporting cast unsettled.

Considering the number of dependable roles that remain vacant, the quality of the Giants’ internal options and the potential cost of waiting too long for solutions makes second base an important offseason concern.

Luis Arraez’s trade to the Philadelphia Phillies created an opening at the position.

Marcelo Mayer arrived from the Boston Red Sox at the trade deadline as a potential long-term answer, but injuries disrupted his first weeks with San Francisco.

Mayer returned on Sept. 21 against the Minnesota Twins and initially appeared as a designated hitter rather than playing in the field.

He went 1-for-15 (.067) with two walks in six games for the Giants.

That limited stretch did not provide San Francisco with enough information to determine whether Mayer is ready to become the everyday second baseman.

Schmitt’s versatility gives the Giants another possibility once he completes his recovery from left knee surgery.

He hit .271 with 21 home runs, 55 RBIs and a .784 OPS in 98 games.

Posey does not necessarily need to acquire a permanent starter at second base. However, he must determine whether Mayer is prepared for the responsibility and identify a dependable alternative if the answer is no.

Mayer’s opportunity will depend on his health, preparation and ability to adjust after a disrupted introduction to the Giants.

A long-term second baseman must provide more than occasional offensive production. Mayer will need to demonstrate consistent defensive awareness, reliable positioning and the ability to handle the daily demands of the position.

His willingness to accept a designated hitter role after returning reflected the need to contribute while gradually rebuilding his workload. That adaptability can become valuable if San Francisco asks him to move between roles during spring training.

Mayer must also show patience at the plate without becoming passive. Quality at-bats, disciplined decisions and an ability to respond after difficult games would help him establish trust.

The pressure attached to replacing Arraez and joining a team searching for stability could test his composure. Mayer cannot allow six games to define his future, but he must use the offseason to prepare for a genuine competition.

Schmitt offers experience, power and positional flexibility, making him a credible alternative. That competition should force Mayer to earn the position rather than receive it by default.

San Francisco can give Mayer the first opportunity while protecting itself with another dependable option. His response will determine whether second base becomes part of the Giants’ foundation or another position Posey must rebuild.