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In a year full of disappointments for the SF Giants in 2024, one of them included the performance of first baseman Wilmer Flores. After an incredible 2023 campaign, he struggled mightily in 2024 but could be due to bounce back in 2025.

Flores was arguably the best hitter on the Giants in 2023. He slashed .284/.355/.509 with 23 home runs and 60 RBI. It would have been unrealistic to expect that he would replicate those numbers in 2024, but it was discouraging to see how much Flores struggled.

The 2022 Willie Mac Award winner had a steep dropoff in 2024, slashing .206/.277/.318 with 4 home runs and 26 RBI in just 71 games played. Of course, he was hampered by a knee injury that limited his productivity and ultimately shut his season down.

SF Giants fan-favorite Wilmer Flores due for a resurgence in 2025

At the time, it seemed like Flores may have played his last game with the Giants since an upgrade at first base seemed likely. Now, with the free agent market for first baseman having largely dried up, it seems like the Giants are going to have to roll with Flores and LaMonte Wade Jr. at first base next season.

Our own Jeff Young has pointed out the pitfalls of that approach given the limited value both Flores and Wade provide, but it seems like the most likely option at this point even if it is not very exciting.

Yet, with top prospect first baseman Bryce Eldridge waiting in the wings, having Flores and Wade serve as a stopgap measure in 2025 to allow Eldridge to develop more seems like the most prudent move.

The Giants could still sign a big free agent like Pete Alonso to play first base, but given the fact that he will probably command a multi-year deal the Giants would not want to block their top prospect who could be a big part of the team’s future.

However, going with Flores at first base or as the designated hitter for the team could turn out to be a good move for the team. The Giants are only paying him $3.5 million next season, so if he is healthy and can play in roughly 100 games for the team while splitting the difference between his 2023 and 2024 numbers, he would still provide a decent amount of value for what the Giants are paying him.

Wilmer is one of the most beloved players on the team, so it would be great to see him have a bounce-back year in 2025 and get back to being the player we recognize.