Thoughts On The 2025 San Francisco Giants: Burning Questions

 Every team in MLB has some questions marks.  Well, except maybe the Dodgers but even they have a few.  This year's Giants team looks much more settled than in recent years but still depends on some things going right, maybe a lot of things going right?  And what would watching baseball be if there weren't questions?  Pretty boring, if you ask me.  So what are these questions hanging over Opening Day?  Let's take a stab at a few:

What will a full season look like for Jung Hoo Lee CF?  Last season we only got to see him for 37 games.  As expected he got off to a slow start but was looking much better leading up to the injury.  He gave us a scare at the end of spring training but looked healthy over the last 3 games.  Is 4 WAR out of the question?

Will Heliot Ramos LF and Tyler Fitzgerald 2B build on their success last season?  You always worry about breakout rookies hitting a wall in their second season.  I remember reading about "sophomore jinxes" as far back as when I was a kid, and that's a long time ago!  The tools are obviously there for both players but baseball is a game of adjustments.  Every player has their weaknesses, especially hitters, and pitchers find them quickly.  Much of the Giants success this season hinges on both Ramos and Fitz making those adjustments.  If they do, I don't think 30 home runs is an unreasonable expectation for either.

Do the Giants have another breakout hitter lurking?  Jerar Encarnacion OF's shot got delayed by a broken hand.  He should get it when he comes back.  Better not to rush it and make sure the hand his fully healed first.  Luis Matos OF is on the active roster but not starting.  Will he get enough PA's to get some traction?  Will Marco Luciano OF get his shot at some point?  I think he is the guy who could break huge if he every gets it.  Will we see Bryce Eldridge 1B in Oracle Park this season?  He sure looked like he needed at least a full season in the upper minors during spring training.

Switching to pitching, does Justin Verlander RHP have anything left in the tank?  He sure looked good in spring training but the regular season is a whole different level and LONG!  Is he good for 180 innings?  I think the Giants will be ecstatic if they get 150.

Is Jordan Hicks RHP a starting pitcher?  If he follows the game plan of his last two spring starts he could be but again, the season is LONG and he has to prove he has the stamina for it.

Which young post-prospect pitchers will emerge as a future ace?  Landen Roupp RHP gets the first chance but he seems more like a mid-back rotation guy.  Hayden Birdsong RHP has the stuff but will start in the bullpen.  Kyle Harrison LHP got a late start on the spring due to illness and has to build his strength in the minors.  He will likely get his chance to step up before too long.

Can Ryan Walker RHP hold down the Closer role all season?  If so, the rest of the bullpen falls in line behind him.  Will we see Joel Peguero RHP and his 102 MPH fastball before the season ends.

Final question:  Will the Giants make the playoffs?  The NL is a tough league. The Giants could be a lot better than last season and still not make the postseason but if enough of the Burning Questions are answered positively, it could happen.