The Giants are close to finalizing a minor-league contract with Kyle Blanks, The Chronicle has learned.
The deal is pending a physical.
The 6-foot-6 Blanks, 29, has played mostly left field during a career that began with the Padres in 2009 but was sidetracked with injuries. He also plays first base and right field.
Blanks is viewed as a low-priced alternative to Marlon Byrd, whose $8 million option wasn’t exercised.
That is, if Blanks is healthy. Calf and Achilles issues limited him to 44 games the past two seasons, 21 of which were with the A’s.