In a season of consistent disappointment, catcher Nick Hundley has been one of the few bright spots for the 2017 San Francisco Giants. Signed to a one-year deal last offseason, Hundley has the fifth highest OPS on the team amongst qualifying players, something that has often lead manager Bruce Bochy to move Buster Posey to first base in order to keep both bats in the lineup.
Hundley, 34, will again hit free agency this offseason, and while the Giants would like to bring him back, he’s also sure to have a number of suitors on the open market. Giants broadcaster Duane Kuiper believes that re-signing Hundley should be a top priority, however, especially with Brandon Belt’s health issues at first base.
“I would think that he’d be a high priority and a priority because of what we are watching now, and that’s if something happens to (Brandon) Belt, then your first baseman is Buster Posey a lot of the time,” Kuiper said. “You’re watching Bruce Bochy run out his best lineup to try and get as many wins as he can, and his best lineup right now is Hundley behind the plate and Buster at first. So that’s why I think Hundley becomes a high priority in the offseason. One of those signings that Bobby Evans will make and everybody will go ‘okay good, Hundley’s coming back,’ but it’ll be a really important one if that does happen.”
Hundley has also been pegged as a favorite to win the Wilie Mac Award, given annually to the most inspirational player on the Giants.
“I absolutely agree with anybody who suggested that,” Kuiper said. “It’s a great award, it’s a great honor and I think if Nick Hundley’s name goes on that award, I don’t think anybody would have a problem with that.”
Listen to the interview below. To hear Kuip’s comments on Nick Hundley, skip to the 4:00 minute mark.