Veteran infielder Wilmer Flores is still without a major league contract with roughly three weeks left before the 2026 Opening Day. Flores, 34, has received minor league offers but is holding out for a major league deal as he prepares for the upcoming season by training in Florida to maintain his readiness. “I’m not done playing,” Flores said. “I’m just waiting.” – Wilmer Flores, infielder
Career Overview and Recent Performance Challenges
Flores spent the last six seasons with the San Francisco Giants, primarily serving as a versatile infielder able to play several positions aside from shortstop. Between 2020 and 2023, he appeared in 1,705 plate appearances with a combined slash line of .257/.331/.454 and a 116 weighted runs created plus (wRC+), reflecting performance 16% above league average. Throughout those years, he logged over 700 innings at each infield spot other than shortstop.
However, Flores’s 2024 season was marred by knee issues, limiting him to 71 games and resulting in a diminished batting line of .206/.277/.318. His 2025 season showed some improvement with a .241/.307/.379 slash but was still below average, marked by a 95 wRC+. That year, Flores’s playing time was mostly confined to first base, where he made 23 starts and occasionally served as a designated hitter; his time at second and third base was minimal.
Limited Role and Future with the Giants
A return to the Giants for 2026 was unlikely given the team’s roster situation. Flores has mostly been limited to first base in recent years, having last played second base in 2023 for a brief 10 innings, and minimal time at third base in 2024 and 2025. As Rafael Devers secures the regular first base role with the Giants, and with prospects like Bryce Eldridge emerging as potential big-league contributors, opportunities for Flores on the team have dwindled.
Flores shared that conversations with the Giants in the offseason revealed the team’s priority was finding a second baseman. He acknowledged that the signing of Luis Arráez, which pushed Casey Schmitt into a multi-positional infielder role Flores previously occupied, made his return to San Francisco unlikely.
“I knew I wouldn’t be a Giant again when they signed Luis Arráez,”
Flores said. – Wilmer Flores, infielder
Interest from Other Teams and Competitive Landscape
While some teams have shown limited interest, Flores has not yet secured a roster spot. His profile is not ideal for a platoon hitter since his career splits against left- and right-handed pitchers have been relatively close. Against lefties, he has a .266/.319/.468 line with a 113 wRC+, while versus righties, he maintains a .255/.314/.409 line and a 100 wRC+. In 2025, he marginally outperformed against right-handed pitchers.
Various unforeseen shifts could open roster spots, such as the Chicago Cubs’ Tyler Austin undergoing knee surgery and missing extended time, or Atlanta Braves’ designated hitter Jurickson Profar facing a yearlong PED suspension, which frees up playing time and salary resources. However, Flores will face significant competition from free agents like Justin Turner and Rowdy Tellez, as well as trade candidates including Ryan Mountcastle, Isaac Paredes, Triston Casas, and Mark Vientos.
Implications for Flores’s Career and the 2026 Season
Wilmer Flores’s pursuit of a major league contract for the 2026 season reflects ongoing uncertainty about his role and value in the current MLB landscape. His versatility and past productivity make him a potential asset, but recent injuries and limited playing time have put him at a disadvantage. As the offseason progresses and teams adjust to injuries and suspensions, new opportunities could emerge that allow Flores to return to the major leagues. His decision to continue training and hold out for a suitable deal suggests he remains committed to extending his professional career despite the challenges ahead.
