The Giants are expected to finalize a minor league deal with Korean infielder Jae-Gyun Hwang this week, CSNBayArea.com has confirmed, adding another depth option as spring training approaches.
Hwang, 29, will be a non-roster invitee with a chance to make the club as a right-handed power bat off the bench.
Hwang has played 10 seasons in the KBO and is coming off back-to-back 26-homer seasons. He posted a .330/.391/.558 slash line last season for the Lotte Giants in what is considered a hitter-friendly league.
Stay in the game with the latest updates on your beloved Bay Area and California sports teams! Sign up here for our All Access Daily newsletter.
The Giants have Eduardo Nuñez lined up as their starter at third base with Conor Gillaspie also fighting for playing time. Hwang could potentially provide a different look for a bench that is lacking in right-handed power. If he makes the club, Hwang will have a salary of $1.5 million, plus incentives. His deal is expected to include opt-out clauses that would allow him to return to the KBO.
The deal was first reported by Naver Sports in South Korea.