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The San Francisco Giants cut ties with an interesting prospect on Thursday, as outfielder Luis Alexander Basabe was designated for assignment. The move came to clear a spot on the 40-man roster for Tommy La Stella, whose three-year contract was made official.
The Giants announced the La Stella signing. It's three years and $18.75 million. To make room on the 40-man roster for La Stella, the Giants designated OF Luis Alexander Básabe for assignment.
— Andrew Baggarly (@extrabaggs) February 4, 2021
The Giants added Basabe, a 24-year old switch-hitter, during the 2020 season. In early August the sent cash to the Chicago White Sox in exchange for Basabe, who had recently been DFA’d. He ended up playing in 9 games for the Giants, hitting 2-14 with 2 stolen bases, some quality defense, and 4 walks to 5 strikeouts.
But he was out of options, which always made him a more likely candidate to be cut than, say, Steven Duggar.
On the one hand, it’s a bummer to see the Giants have to get rid of a prospect who is still intriguing. On the other hand, it’s a sign of how much depth the team has started to acquire in the last few years that these types of players are on the margins.
Perhaps Basabe — who is the cousin of Giants prospect Luis Matos — will clear waivers and rejoin the Giants on a Minor League deal.