Second base enters the 2026 season as one of the more fluid positions on the San Francisco Giants’ roster, defined less by a locked-in starter and more by internal competition and versatility.

With Casey Schmitt and Christian Koss forming the core depth, the Giants appear content to let performance and matchups dictate playing time rather than committing to a single everyday option.

Schmitt enters the year as the leading candidate for regular at-bats at second base. In 2025, he appeared in 95 games, posting a .237/.305/.401 slash line with 12 home runs, 40 RBIs, and a 101 OPS+.

Originally developed as a shortstop and third baseman, Schmitt’s athleticism and strong arm have allowed him to adapt to second base, even if it is not his most natural fit.

Offensively, flashes of pull-side power suggest upside, but plate discipline remains the swing skill. If Schmitt can improve his on-base percentage and reduce chase rates in 2026, he has a path to stabilizing the position on an everyday basis.

Christian Koss provides competition and left-handed balance. In his limited major-league sample during the 2025 season, Koss appeared in 74 games and hit .264/.309/.368 with three home runs and a 94 OPS+.

While his power output is modest, Koss brings a contact-oriented approach and an ability to work deep counts, traits the Giants value near the bottom of the lineup.

Defensively, Koss has shown the ability to handle second base, shortstop, and third base, giving the club flexibility when constructing lineups or navigating injuries. His versatility and offensive profile make him a logical platoon or rotational option alongside Schmitt.

Together, Schmitt and Koss reflect San Francisco’s broader roster-building philosophy: Prioritize depth, defensive reliability, and internal development over splashy solutions. Rather than forcing production from one player, the Giants can mix and match based on performance trends and opposing pitching.

Looking ahead to 2026, second base may not project as a star-driven position, but it offers functional stability.

If Schmitt takes a modest offensive step forward or Koss proves capable of sustaining league-average production over a larger sample, the Giants could extract solid value from within—an outcome that would allow resources to remain focused elsewhere on the roster.

Don't miss out on our ROUNDTABLE community and the latest news!

It's completely free to join. Share your thoughts, engage with our Roundtable writers, and chat with fellow members.

Download the free Roundtable APP, and stay even more connected!