The San Francisco Giants just missed the playoffs last season going 29-31. The question for them this offseason will be if they should go for it this year or blow it up and start a serious rebuild.
Offseason Strategy
The Los Angeles Dodgers are the class of the division and the San Diego Padres are a strong team. The Giants should take this opportunity to sell off their pieces before it’s too late. While they have a few players to build around, a youth movement is needed especially on the infield. The rotation could use another arm and the bullpen is largely unproven. With so many slots to fill, if the Giants seriously want to compete this season, they will have to spend some big money.
Keys to the Offseason
Sell off the Aging Infield
Brandon Belt, Donovan Solano, and Brandon Crawford are all free agents after this season. Evan Longoria has a team option for $13 million in 2022. San Francisco can sell off all of these players and at least get something for them. They shouldn’t make the same mistake the Kansas City Royals did a few years ago when they held onto the last players from their World Series. Belt and Crawford have been there their whole careers and were both part of two of the Giants’ last three World Series championships. It may be difficult and is up to the players as both Brandons have 10-5 rights and can veto any trade. Solano has batted .328 as a Giant and can play both second and third base and fill in at shortstop in a pinch. Longoria may fetch some interest with an affordable team option for 2022.
Another Way to go
By signing a few players and making a run this year, the Giants could also hang on to some players for a shot. They can extend the qualifying offer to many of their players at the end of the season and if they are signed by another team, they could receive a bunch of draft picks. With the number of pieces they need, it probably wouldn’t be wise, but it is still an option. One danger of this plan is also that the Collective Bargaining Agreement is up in December 2021. We don’t know yet if there will be any changes to the draft-pick compensation for teams offering the qualifying offer when their player signs elsewhere. Another is that if the players accept the deals the Giants are stuck paying too much for them.
Offseason Targets
Any Veteran Pitcher
The Giants have already brought in Anthony DeSclafani on a one-year deal and Kevin Gausman accepted their QO this season. Along with Johnny Cueto, San Fran needs another arm. The way to go would be to sign a vet to a one-year deal. Jon Lester, Cole Hamels, Mike Fiers, J.A. Happ, or even bringing back Jeff Samardzija are options. It all depends on the cost.
Bullpen Arms
The Giants brought in Matt Wisler who is still young at 28. They could use another young pitcher who is affordable like Archie Bradley or Keone Kela. Both pitchers are on the right side of 30, could be had for a discount, and are also looking to prove something this season.
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Main Credit Image: Embed from Getty Images
