One thing the SF Giants have been sorely lacking on the roster for years is speed. Despite annual assurances that the team was trying to get younger and more athletic, there has been a dearth of true stolen-base threats on the team for years. That could potentially change in 2026.
Unheralded outfielder Jared Oliva did not make a ton of headlines when the Giants scooped him up back in January. The most notable thing about him, other than the fact that he has not appeared in the big leagues since 2021, is that he stole nearly 60 bases last season in Triple-A.
Giants may finally have a triee stolen-base threat in Jared Oliva
So far in spring training, Oliva is showing that he can absolutely live up the the reputation that precedes him on the base paths. Oliva has played in 17 Cactus League games for the Giants and as of this writing he has 12 stolen bases and has only been caught stealing once. Not only that, but he has 11 hits in 32 at-bats so he is showing he could be more than just a pinch runner.
Not many would have given Oliva a chance coming into spring training, but he has forced himself into the conversation. The only problem for Oliva is that he is not the only outfielder who has impressed in camp so far.
Luis Matos and Jerar Encarnacion both came into camp knowing they needed to have a strong showing at the plate to make the team. Both are out of minor league options, but if they had struggled then the Giants probably would not have hesitated to put them on waivers.
As of right now, both stand a good chance to make the team with the way they are hitting. Matos sports a .289 batting average with two home runs and Encarnacion has really come on strong as of late, boasting a .302 batting average with two homers including a bomb he hit on Sunday.
Still, there is about a week to go before the Giants have to set the Opening Day roster. Maybe if there is an injury or one of those two guys goes ice cold in the next week that could create an opening for Oliva.
With his speed, he would arguably be a better bench option over Matos and Encarnacion since he could be used as a pinch runner and defensive replacement.
Olive gives the Giants a threat they have not had in a long time so he has at the very least given the coaching staff and front office something to think about.
