Spring training is drawing to a close soon and the SF Giants have to make some roster decisions soon. It’s always fascinating to see how players without any minor league options left are handled because if they do not make the team they will be exposed to waivers.

San Francisco has several of those players and a few of them may be in danger of falling off the roster bubble while a few should be safe barring an epic collapse in the final week of Cactus League play.

SF Giants players without minor league options who are safe as spring training winds down

Let’s first take a look at two players who have likely earned a spot on the team.

Luis Matos

While Luis Matos has shown the promise he has at times over the course of the last three seasons, he came into spring with his Giants career at a crossroads. He needed a strong showing in Arizona to make the club and he has provided it.

In 40 at-bats, he has slashed .275/.341/.475 with two home runs and two doubles. He has only struck out three times. That coupled with the fact that he has decent speed and can play all three outfield positions, although he is best-suited in the corners, give him a good chance to make the club because the Giants probably do not want to expose the 24-year-old to waivers if they do not have to.

José Buttó

The Giants acquired Buttó in the Tyler Rogers trade with the New York Mets last season and they are counting on him to be a solid part of the bullpen. In three Cactus League outings he has pitched well for the Giants, allowing just one run in four innings of work.

He’s been away with Team Venezuela at the World Baseball Classic and has pitched very well, not allowing a run in 4 and 2/3 innings of work. He will face off against Team USA on Tuesday night in the final.

Now let’s look at two players who are in a bit more of a precarious spot.

Jerar Encarnacion

While Jerar Encarnacion has been on a tear as of late in spring training, the fact that he is limited defensively makes it less than a certainty that he will make the team. If the Giants decide they want a bench option with more speed or defensive capabilities or if they decide they want top prospect Bryce Eldridge on the Opening Day roster then Encarnacion could be the odd man out.

Matt Gage

Left-handed reliever Matt Gage did a lot of good things for the Giants last season and has looked solid in spring training, but the recent addition of veteran left-handed pitcher Joey Lucchesi, a guy who also pitched well for the Giants in 2025, may squeeze Gage off the roster.

We’ll have to see how this final week of spring training plays out, but two guys without minor league options seem to be safe while two are in a bit more trouble.