Oct 14, 2020; Arlington, Texas, USA; Los Angeles Dodgers left fielder Joc Pederson (31) and center fielder Cody Bellinger (35) and left fielder Matt Beaty (45) celebrate the win over the Atlanta Braves in game three of the 2020 NLCS at Globe Life Field. Mandatory Credit: Jerome Miron-USA TODAY Sports

Former Dodgers World Series Champion DFA’d by Giants

Clint Pasillas 05/31/2023

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Old friend alert out of San Francisco. The Giants have designated former Dodger infielder/outfielder Matt Beaty for assignment. This leaves just Ross Stripling, Alex Wood, Joc Pederson, and Scott Alexander as former Dodgers left on San Francisco’s roster… (we see you, Farhan)

#SFGiants roster moves:

• RHP Luke Jackson returned from his rehabilitation assignment and reinstated from the 60-day Injured List

• IF David Villar optioned to Triple-A Sacramento

• IF Matt Beaty designated for assignment

— SFGiants (@SFGiants) May 31, 2023

The 30-year-old didn’t get much of an opportunity with the Giants, continuing a trend throughout his career. When Beaty has received playing time, he’s performed well at the plate as a major leaguer. In his two seasons where he’s gotten more than 200 plate appearances, he’s hit above league average according to wRC+ (101 in 2019 and 114 in 2021). During the Dodgers World Series season in 2020, he struggled in a mostly pinch hitting role but still brought home a ring with the team that October.

The Dodgers DFA’d and traded Beaty to the Padres at the end of spring training in 2022, picking up River Ryan who is now a flourishing pitching prospect in LA’s system. Matt dealt with a shoulder issue most of last season and was terrible in his few opportunities with the Friars.

He was DFA’d by the Pads over the winter and signed a minor league deal with the Royals but was released during spring training this year. He latched on with the Giants on opening day this year but has mostly played at the Triple-A level. Notably, he’s hit well, as he usually does, with a .853 OPS in 30 games.

For the greater part over his career, Beaty’s lack of defensive prowess has kept him out of big league lineups. And his generally low home run rate makes it tough to have him DH or play first base consistently for championship clubs. He definitely would have excelled in this league 20 years ago.

Still a big Beaty fan here and I’m hoping for the best for him in his career.