FILE PHOTO: Jul 23, 2019; San Francisco, CA, USA; San Francisco Giants second baseman Joe Panik (12) fields a ground ball during the ninth inning against the Chicago Cubs at Oracle Park. Mandatory Credit: Neville E. Guard-USA TODAY Sports
Joe Panik could land on his feet with the New York Mets after being designated for assignment by the San Francisco Giants.
If Panik clears waivers Friday, there is mutual interest between the Mets and 28-year-old second baseman, MLB Network reported. His availability comes at an opportune time for New York, which placed second baseman Robinson Cano on the disabled list with a torn hamstring. It’s likely Cano will be out for the rest of the season.
Panik, a former All-Star and Gold Glove winner, was batting a career-low .235 with three home runs and 27 RBIs in 103 games.
Last week, the Giants acquired second baseman Scooter Gennett from the Cincinnati Reds, signaling Panik’s impending departure. Panik was a first-round selection of the Giants in 2011, and batted .305 as a rookie in 2014.
In six seasons, he averaged .271 with 36 home runs and 221 RBIs for San Francisco.
“Nothing has driven me more than winning here in San Francisco,” he said in a statement to The Athletic. “It is time for me to start the next chapter in my career. But in my heart I will always be a Giant.”
—Field Level Media