From the Field: Alen Hanson, utility, San Francisco Giants

I once spent two days in 2014 trying to get Alen Hansons autograph, with no success. It bothered me since it just seemed I was always in the wrong place at the wrong time. Then, five years later I was able to buy it for $3. Such is autograph collecting.

From 2011 to 2016 Alen Hanson was one of the Pirates best prospects, consistently rating in their Top 30. In fact, for a brief time he was considered one of the best prospects in all of baseball–Baseball America rated him #61 overall in 2014. But his tools never really caught up with his skills while in Pittsburgh, and the Pirates let him go on waivers back in 2017.

This past winter he signed as a free agent with the Giants and is having a nice year as a super utility player. On the season he is hitting .283/.305/.465 with 6 HR and an OPS+ of 106. His value is increased by his versatility; he has played just about every position this season but first base and catcher.

He is a talented player, and at only 25 years old I think there is still some potential for him to settle in as a regular. I think the Giants got a steal this past winter.