How Hundley and Garcia fit into plans

Backup catcher Nick Hundley, a valuable resource over the past two seasons, would like to go for three.

Hundley expects to explore free-agent options, as he did last winter, but said Sunday he would like to return to the Giants in 2019 if they can work out a deal.

“The team we put out there, if healthy, could win a World Series,” Hundley said. “If I can add to that, I’d like the opportunity.”

However, the Giants have a new variable in the equation. Rookie Aramis Garcia provided the biggest September surprise, hitting .286 with four homers, albeit with 31 strikeouts in 65 plate appearances. He also caught the staff well, which was not considered his strength in the minors.

“He’s throwing out some of our best at-bats,” manager Bruce Bochy said. “This was a good chance to see what he is about. This kid has shown a lot. He’s shown toughness and his ability to handle majorleague pitching.”

Now, Bochy said, the Giants must decide whether to continue Garcia’s development as a potential everyday catcher in the minors or have him start the year as Buster Posey’s backup. The club might have little choice if Hundley signs elsewhere or Posey is not ready to start the season.

Hundley, 35, has had two nearly identical seasons at the plate for the Giants. He hit .244 with nine homers in 303 plate appearances in 2017 and .241 with 10 homers in 305 plate appearances in 2018. His caught-stealing rate as a catcher declined from 29 percent to 21 percent. Briefly: The Giants had the ninth-worst record in the majors but will pick 10th in the 2019 amateur draft. The Braves will be inserted ahead of them because they did not sign their 2018 first-rounder. … Evan Longoria, who hit .244 in a disappointing first Giants season, led them with 16 homers, the fewest for the team leader since Bengie Molina hit 16 in 2008. Andrew McCutchen had the most RBIs (55) even though he was traded Aug. 31, the lowest team-leading total in franchise history in a nonstrike year.