SAN FRANCISCO -- As they wait for the rest of the market to shake out, the Giants made their most obvious move of the winter.
Catcher Nick Hundley returned on a one-year deal, solidifying a reunion that both sides wanted. The Giants valued Hundley because he somewhat limited the drop in offensive production when Buster Posey needed a day off, and proved to be a valuable clubhouse addition. On the final day of the season, Hundley said he wanted to return for a second year in San Francisco.
"I love it here," Hundley said. "I love these guys. Playing with these guys has been a pleasure every day. It's a wonderful place to live and play, and the opportunity to win the World Series here is as great as in any place in the league. If everything works out, I'd love to be back."
Hundley ended up appearing in 101 games last season, hitting nine homers and 22 doubles while providing right-handed pop off the bench. He was basically the starting catcher down the stretch as Posey moved to first base following Brandon Belt's season-ending concussion. Hundley also was named the winner of the prestigious Willie Mac Award.
Financial terms of the deal were not immediately available, but Hundley's addition should not alter other offseason plans. The Giants had just one other catcher - prospect Aramis Garcia - on their 40-man roster and needed the depth, and they had always planned to fold Hundley back into their limited budget.
