Back to the future? Pence rolls into view

SCOTTSDALE, ARIZ. » On the final day of the 2018 regular season, the Giants presented Hunter Pence with a personalized scooter for the outfielder to ride as he ventured into an uncertain future.

Ahead of the Giants’ first home game in 2020, Pence said he’ll use the scooter to commute to a familiar place of employment.

“I feel like it just makes sense to ride it back for opening day,” Pence said.

Fewer than two years after the Giants thought Pence would drive off into the sunset, a clubhouse leader nicknamed “The Reverend” has returned to the franchise on a one-year, $3 million deal.

“Obviously this is a home,” Pence said. “I have a lot of history, a lot of friends, a lot of family here. The city feels like we have a

great relationship. I love it so much. I love the fan base. The opportunity to come back and give the stuff I’ve learned and to give all of the efforts to make another great memory.”

The Giants and their fans thought they’d seen the last of Pence when he finished one of the most challenging seasons of his pro career with a .226 average and a .590 OPS. Pence’s contract had expired, his body had failed him and he grappled with the reality that few, if any, major league teams would consider signing him.

When Pence is doubted, he’s done some of his best work. Even after stunning the baseball world by working his way from a minor league contract to the American League All-Star team as a member of the Texas Rangers last season, there are doubts about Pence’s ability to help the rebuilding Giants.

Why would a franchise that’s turning its attention toward the future sign an outfielder whose best days are in the past?

For a Giants team with a new vision, Pence’s career path lets veterans and rookies alike see what’s possible.

“I’m happy to give everything I have for (Gabe) Kapler, to learn everything, to keep that growth mindset, to build that culture and connection of collective preparation and really excited and enthused to learn with a lot of the new information that’s out there these days and with this new staff,” Pence said.

Regardless of how many games Pence plays or how many at-bats the outfielder takes, Giants president of baseball operations Farhan Zaidi and manager Kapler want players who will bring energy and embrace competition. It doesn’t hurt that after revamping his swing last offseason, Pence hit .327 with a 1.015 OPS against left-handed pitchers.

“He provides our club with a great veteran presence and his leadership will be a big asset for our younger players,” Zaidi said in a team release after signing Pence. “Hunter’s addition creates depth on our roster and will provide Gabe with a valuable option against left-handed pitching.”

What can Pence bring to the Giants that Kevin Pillar couldn’t?

Zaidi insisted the decision to non-tender the 2019 Willie Mac Award winner and let him become a free agent wasn’t motivated by

finances, but instead by a desire to let younger players audition in the outfield this season. A healthy Pence will take away some opportunities from the likes of Jaylin Davis or Austin Slater, but the Giants see him as a part-time player.

Pillar, 31, sought regular, everyday opportunities in 2020 after a career year at the plate. Pence, who will turn 37 in April, knows he can’t play 162 games a year anymore as he did for the Giants in 2013 and 2014.

“Whatever is necessary for me to play and whatever role they need me to play, I’m happy to do,” Pence said. “There’s so many scenarios and it’s so wide open, I don’t think it’s a definite, like this is the amount of atbats. I’m happy with whichever way it goes.”

Pence could play 50 games or he could play 100. He could take 200 at-bats or he could take 400. The specifics, however, aren’t what the Giants or their newest outfielder are focused on.

With so many young players, the Giants decided they needed Pence around.

“We’re just always trying to be the best team that we can, be the best teammate that I can, be the best leader I can and I definitely have learned a whole bunch not only about baseball, but about life,” Pence said.