The Giants’ pursuit of roster depth has gone international, and they’re close to signing Korean third baseman Jae-gyun Hwang.
It’s a minor-league deal, but Hwang would make $1.5 million if he makes the big-league roster. The contract includes incentives and out clauses, and he’d be given a chance to at least work himself into a utility role.
The Giants have third basemen Eduardo Nuñez and Conor Gillaspie returning next season, and Nuñez is expected to enter spring training as the starter. Hwang, 29, also has played shortstop.
He hit .330 with 26 homers and 24 steals in 118 games for the Lotte Giants of the Korean Baseball Organization.