The San Francisco Giants currently lack an established bench or utility player. Although their 40-man roster includes several versatile options, most are not prepared to handle that responsibility throughout a full season.

Jonah Cox provided respectable utility work in 2026, while Christian Koss displayed defensive flexibility around the infield. Both appeared at multiple positions, but neither produced enough offensively to secure the role.

San Francisco could benefit from adding a proven player for 2027. Free agent Edmundo Sosa possesses the versatility necessary to fill that opening.

The 30-year-old has completed eight MLB seasons with the St. Louis Cardinals and Philadelphia Phillies.

Managers can deploy Sosa in several positions and situations without making substantial adjustments elsewhere. That adaptability has become the defining element of his value.

Sosa received limited opportunities with St. Louis before his career improved after Philadelphia acquired him at the 2022 trade deadline. The Phillies sent left-handed reliever JoJo Romero to the Cardinals in that deal.

During 4.5 seasons with Philadelphia, Sosa hit .260 with 39 home runs, 157 RBIs and a .746 OPS over 392 games.

Power is not a major part of his offensive profile. His averages over 162 games are 20 doubles and 13 home runs. Sosa instead contributes through contact, speed and his ability to defend several positions.

Despite possessing impressive speed, he has stolen only 27 bases in 569 career games.

Sosa’s defensive value extends beyond merely appearing at different positions. He has demonstrated that he can perform capably wherever his team assigns him.

Left field became his primary position this season, where he appeared in 32 games. Sosa also received considerable playing time at second base, third base and shortstop.

He has played center field as well, although that experience consists of only three games.

Sosa’s arm represents the primary limitation within his defensive profile. That weakness helps explain why he has played only 39 career games in the outfield compared with 508 in the infield.

His offensive approach also carries a concern. Although Sosa regularly produces respectable batting averages, poor plate discipline has followed him throughout his career.

Even with those shortcomings, Sosa can provide more than a conventional reserve. He can hit for average, create pressure with his speed and cover numerous defensive positions.

He could also move into a full-time starting assignment when an injury or prolonged slump creates an opening.

Sosa’s adaptability would allow manager Tony Vitello to rest regulars without significantly disrupting the defensive alignment.

His experience would also prevent San Francisco from forcing Cox, Koss or another developing player into responsibilities they are not ready to handle.

Another advantage is affordability. Signing Sosa should not consume a damaging portion of the Giants’ payroll.

He is one of the market’s more undervalued free agents and should be firmly on San Francisco’s radar. Any team needing a dependable utility player could benefit from adding him.