We can pretty much take what we said about Matt Chapman and third base and transpose it to Willy Adames and shortstop for the next 6 years. Barring a catastrophic injury, there just isn't much need for depth at the position.
MLB:
Willy Adames: After a horrendous start to the season, Adames ended up about where we would expect. Hopefully the first half of the season was the oft-seen stress of feeling like he had to live up to the contract.
Christian Koss: Christian Koss's ace-in-the-hole is his ability to play shortstop at a higher level than other utility infielders. He may not be needed much with Adames holding down the position but it's nice to have someone who can step in and not be a defensive disaster at the position.
AAA:
None. Osleivis Basabe is listed on the AAA roster but I am pretty sure he's a minor league free agent who may or may not re-sign.
AA:
Aeverson Arteaga: Had a rough season at the plate after missing most of 2024. AA a tough assignment coming off a lost season like that.
A+:
Maui Ahuna: Has been held back by injuries but seems to have the defensive chops to play SS at higher levels. Needs to hit.
Zane Zielinski: Was the primary shortstop for A+ Eugene most of the season. He didn't show much power but stole 32 bases to go with a .338 OBP.
A:
Jhonny Level: Giants are excited about this sparkplug type player. Full season ball will be a bigger test of his tools.
Lorenzo Meola: Fourth round draft pick out of Stetson. Considered more of a true shortstop than Gavin Kilen who will likely end up at 2B. Hit 3 HR in 70 PA's in his pro debut.
ACL:
Thank you, Doc, this is enlightening and valuable to us Giants' fans to get a good look at the team's depth. We eagerly await your analysis of the outfield, and, particularly, the entire pitching situation.
ReplyDeleteFortunately, since the Giants typically spend up to the luxury tax limit, and have gone beyond it when thought it could deliver a playoff team, there is a lot of money that can be spent this off-season on the obvious pitching deficiency, which you have pointedly observed since the end of the season for SF.
On The Athletic (paywall although sometimes readers can get a look at one article), Jim Bowden, who is hardly considered very accurate or reliable, wrote several weeks ago, about the 18 teams that didn't make the playoff, ranking them by who is best positioned to crack the final 12 next year. He rated the Giants @ #6, saying "If they can make one more big move, like signing a free agent such as Kyle Tucker, and improve the bullpen, that should lift them into being a legitimate wild-card contender."
Does he really think 2 SPs are enough?
Of course, signing Tucker and letting the half-dozen aspirants compete for the OF back-up would be wonderful but woefully expensive ($400-$500M for up to 10 years) and wipe out a full rebuilding of the depleted pitching.
Would Buster dare do that? More importantly, would Tucker even sign with SF without an overpay?
Could Tucker supply the extra 1 run per game the Giants would need to be a real contender if they don't bolster the rotation?
Well, perhaps he could...
Thank you for the kind words. Adding Tucker would be amazing but not at all inexpensive. That puts a lot of pressure on the young pitchers to step it up. I don't think we can count on that for 3 of the 5 rotation spots plus depth.
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