SCOTTSDALE — The end of his first big league season allowed Christian Koss to fulfill a longtime goal. In October, Koss had his last name tattooed on his upper back, replicating the lettering and MLB logo from his Giants jersey.
“Where I grew up, you had English letters of your name tattooed on your back. I was always like, ‘I’m going to get my name tattooed on my back,'” Koss said Friday. “The path I went on, I told myself early on, no matter what team it was, that’s what I was going to get stitched on my back.”
The tattoo commemorates what ended up being a full big league season for Koss, but as he looks toward his second year, it’s another part of his offseason that was much more important. For the first time as a professional, Koss did not have to grind through a winter looking for at-bats.
The 28-year-old got to hang out at home and train at Riverside Community College all winter, and if there was any strength added, it certainly showed Thursday. During a scrimmage at Scottsdale Stadium, Koss hit an impressive opposite-field homer.
“It was the first offseason that I’ve really had an ‘offseason.’ There was no winter ball, I got actual weight room time,” Koss said. “When I was drafted, I went instructs, instructs, (Arizona) Fall League, Puerto Rico, Puerto Rico, Dominican Republic. This year I had a full offseason.”
Koss was a surprise winner of last spring’s competition for bench spots, and he enters camp this year with a leg up on the competition thanks to his versatility. Koss and Casey Schmitt figure to be the backup infielders on Opening Day, and while Schmitt can play all four infield spots, Koss is comfortable in the outfield, too.
That could be important for a team that will have limited position flexibility if Bryce Eldridge wins the DH job. It has also been notable how often Tyler Fitzgerald has been in the outfield drills early on.
That winter in the Dominican Republic got Koss reps in the outfield, and he said he’s up for anything. That much was made clear last year when he pitched four times in blowout losses.
Tony Vitello is hopeful that isn’t as necessary in 2026, but he’s well aware of Koss’ versatility. One of their early conversations was about the infielder’s background as a catcher before he grew into a shortstop.
“Ultimately, what you’ve got is a very versatile guy,” Vitello said. “The best part about him is his teammates trust him. It’s one thing to be liked, but I think to be trusted and respected is more important, and he has that in the clubhouse.”
On The Sidelines
Right-hander Joel Peguero has the most notable early injury, although that actually shows just how healthy the Giants have been early on. Peguero has a tight left hamstring, but Vitello said right now the staff is just being cautious.
Unlike in some other camps, there have been no injuries early on that might cause more long-term concerns. Tyler Mahle is a bit behind because he got sick, but he’s expected to face hitters next week.
Peguero made his big league debut last year and posted a 2.42 ERA and 3.85 FIP in 17 appearances. With better command of his blazing fastball, he burst onto the scene with nine straight scoreless appearances to start his big league career. After giving up at least one run in his next four appearances, he finished his rookie season with four scoreless innings.
The Giants will need to see more consistency from Peguero, but they’re also short on experienced bullpen options, and he certainly has the stuff to become one of Vitello’s late-game options.
The latest medical updates from the team listed three relievers alongside Peguero. Righty Jason Foley seems a bit ahead of schedule in his rehab from right shoulder surgery and will throw two bullpens this week, but he’s still viewed as a midseason option. Lefty Sam Hentges (knee, shoulder surgeries) is in a throwing progression and the Giants are unsure if he’ll be ready by Opening Day. Randy Rodriguez (Tommy John surgery) will begin a throwing progression next month.
Good News For Groesch
The Giants announced Thursday that Dave Groeschner has been promoted to vice president of medical and performance at the start of his 30th season with the organization.
Groeschner has overseen his department since 2007 and the Giants have generally fared very well in the health department, particularly with pitchers, over that time. He was also instrumental in helping Buster Posey rehab from a major ankle injury in 2011.
“I know firsthand the care and dedication that Gresch has for our players and organization,” Posey said. “We look forward to his continued influence in this new role.”