We don't need to look at numbers to tell us that the San Francisco Giants' offense has been dreadful for weeks. But in this case, a look at the numbers is warranted. The Giants have a .272 wOBA since June 25, the worst mark in MLB by a lot. However, their expected wOBA, based on strikeouts, walks, and quality of contact, is much, much higher. Their xwOBA is .306, which is not great by any stretch. But it is, however, 34 points higher than their actual wOBA. And that 34-point gap is double the next closest team. In other words, the Giants have been the unluckiest offense in MLB for six-plus weeks by two times.
Several veteran SF Giants players have fallen victim to bad luck. Joc Pederson, Brandon Crawford, LaMonte Wade Jr., Michael Conforto, Austin Slater, and Mike Yastrzemski all have well below average results since June 25, but above average expected numbers. If we think back on some of the balls they've hit that have been caught, it's not hard to recall the frequent moments of poor fortune.
Given all this, the Giants are lucky to have stayed afloat with such poor results offensively. Despite being by far the majors' worst offense over this span, the SF Giants have gone 18-20, which is far from disastrous. Their odds of winning the division have fallen drastically, but they're still in strong position to make the playoffs as a wild card team.
Finally, one under-the-radar factor that could draw Shohei Ohtani to the San Francisco Giants is discussed.
Find and follow Locked On Giants on your favorite podcast platforms:
? Apple Podcasts http://apple.co/3ycRK3U
? Spotify http://spoti.fi/3Bak0pN
? Google Play https://bit.ly/3D356mr
? Overcast https://bit.ly/3wqZsbg
? Megaphone https://bit.ly/3wGGcXD
The best daily San Francisco Giants podcast. Whether the Giants are winning championships or retooling for another title run, Locked On Giants host Ben Kaspick—a lifelong Giants fan and former contributor for RotoGraphs and Beyond the Box Score—breaks down every game, rumor, and transaction in a way that's data-driven and rational but also simple, passionate, and accessible to all.
Follow Ben Kaspick on Twitter, where he’ll be sharing the latest news about the San Francisco Giants and talking with fans.
On Twitter: https://twitter.com/BenKaspick
#SFGiants #FirstListen
Support Us By Supporting Our Sponsors!
eBay Motors
For parts that fit, head to eBay Motors and look for the green check. Stay in the game with eBay Guaranteed Fit. eBay Motors dot com. Let’s ride. eBay Guaranteed Fit only available to US customers. Eligible items only. Exclusions apply.
Gametime
Download the Gametime app, create an account, and use code LOCKEDONMLB for $20 off your first purchase.
FanDuel
Make Every Moment More. Don’t miss the chance to get your No Sweat First Bet up to TWO HUNDRED DOLLARS in Bonus Bets when you go FanDuel.com/LOCKEDON.
Sleeper
Download the Sleeper app and use promo code LOCKEDON and you'll get up to a $100 match on your first deposit. Terms and conditions apply. See Sleeper’s Terms of Use for details. Currently operational in over 30 states. Check out Sleeper today!

FANDUEL DISCLAIMER: 21+ in select states. First online real money wager only. Bonus issued as nonwithdrawable free bets that expires in 14 days. Restrictions apply. See terms at sportsbook.fanduel.com. Gambling Problem? Call 1-800-GAMBLER or visit FanDuel.com/RG (CO, IA, MD, MI, NJ, PA, IL, VA, WV), 1-800-NEXT-STEP or text NEXTSTEP to 53342 (AZ), 1-888-789-7777 or visit ccpg.org/chat (CT), 1-800-9-WITH-IT (IN), 1-800-522-4700 (WY, KS) or visit ksgamblinghelp.com (KS), 1-877-770-STOP (LA), 1-877-8-HOPENY or text HOPENY (467369) (NY), TN REDLINE 1-800-889-9789 (TN)
Learn more about your ad choices. Visit podcastchoices.com/adchoices