The Giants were able to clear another spot on the 40-man roster by trading Nate Furman 2B to the Washington Nationals for Tony Neubeck LHP. Let's break it down:
Nate Furman 2B: DOB: 7/23/2001. B-L, T-L. 5' 8", 173 lbs. On 40-man roster, 3 Options.
"When the Giants Come to Town..." is my blog intended to chronicle my thoughts on San Francisco Giants baseball. My special interest is in prospects and the farm system, but of course, will comment on all aspects of the San Francisco Giants. I will also comment on baseball in general, particularly from a fantasy baseball perspective. I hope you will find the site informative, and invite you to join in the discussion.
The Giants were able to clear another spot on the 40-man roster by trading Nate Furman 2B to the Washington Nationals for Tony Neubeck LHP. Let's break it down:
Nate Furman 2B: DOB: 7/23/2001. B-L, T-L. 5' 8", 173 lbs. On 40-man roster, 3 Options.
The Giants wasted no time once the World Series officially ended in firing up the old hot stove to keep warm for the winter while hopefully wheeling and dealing their way to a better roster. Five players were voted off the roster island with three stayed in the organization and two moved on to what they hope is greener pastures for them.
Matt Gage LHP was reinstated from the 60-day IL, cleared waivers and was outrighted to AAA Sacramento.
Osleivis Basabe IF cleared waivers and was outrighted to AAA Sacramento.
Jason Foley RHP cleared waivers and was outrighted to AAA Sacramento.
Grant McCray OF was claimed off waivers by the Mariners.
Braxton Roxby RHP was claimed off waivers by the Nationals.
Look for more announcements in quick succession in coming days.
Pitching depth charts get challenging due to the shear numbers of maintaining a 5-man starting rotation. the Giants bolstered their organizational pitching depth over the past 2 years with trades and the 2026 draft. While a few pitchers emerged from the international ranks, the focus of Giants international signings is on position players.
MLB:
Logan Webb RHP: DOB: 11/18/1996. 6' 2 ", 221 lbs. Under Contract through 2028($18 M AAV).
2026(MLB): 8-9, 4.31, 160.2 IP, 7.51 K/9, 2.30 BB/9, 1.70 GB/FB. vFA= 92.4.
Landen Roupp RHP: DOB: 9/10/1998. 6' 2", 220 lbs. 2 Options. Arb Eligible 2028, Free Agent 2030.
2026(MLB: 9-14, 4.01, 155 IP, 8.30 K/9, 4.35 BB/9, 1.44 GB/FB. vFA= 92.8.
Anthony Molina RHP: DOB: 1/12/2002. 6' 1", 170 lbs. 1 Option.
2026(MLB- 2 teams): 3-2, 3.97, 34 IP, 8.21 K/9, 1.85 BB/9. vFA= 96.4
Cesar Perdomo LHP: DOB: 2/9/2002. 5' 10", 219 lbs. 3 Options.
Yunior Marte RHP: DOB: 8/9/2003. 6' 6", 236 lbs. 3 Options.
Miguel Mendez RHP: DOB: 7/1/2002. 6' 2", 165 lbs. 2 Options.
Adrian Houser RHP: DOB: 2/2/1993. 6' 4", 227 lbs. Under Contract through 2027(AAV= $11 M), Club Option for 2028.
2026(MLB): 4-7, 4.02, 109.2 IP, 6.16 K/9, 2.79 BB/9. vFA= 95.7.
Hayden Birdsong RHP: DOB: 8/30/2001. 6' 5", 225 lbs. 2 Options.
2026(MLB): DNP. Underwent "Tommy John" Surgery 3/25/2026.
Logan Webb is the ace but is coming off a down year possibly due to fatigue from participating in the WBC. As he enters his age 30 season he has built up a lot of mileage on the arm. Can he bounce back? Roupp is a similar pitcher who probably should be a #3 or 4 SP on a good team. Adrian Houser's numbers improved dramatically after a demotion to the bullpen but also coincided with a decision to let pitchers call their own games. He should rejoin the rotation. The rest of the depth chart is a collection of young arms who may or may not take the next step forward. Trevor McDonald RHP, Carson Whisenhunt LHP and Blade Tidwell RHP will miss all of 2027 recovering from "Tommy John" surgery but remain on the longer term depth chart. This group could obviously use an addition of at least one mid-rotation or better veteran pitcher for 2027.
AAA:
Joe Whitman LHP: DOB: 9/17/2001. 6' 4", 215 lbs. Rule 5 Eligible.
Trystan Vrieling RHP: DOB: 10/2/2000. 6' 4", 217 lbs. Rule 5 Eligible.
John Michael Bertrand LHP: DOB: 2/8/1998. 6' 3", 238 lbs. Rule 5 Eligible.
2026(AAA): 5-3, 5.37, 6.04 K/9, 4.84 BB/9, 1.78 GB/FB.
Joe Whitman had a strong season across two levels. It's not clear to me why he did not get a look at the MLB level after injuries ravaged the rotation since he must be added to the 40-man roster to protect him from the Rule 5 Draft anyway.
AA:
Jackson Flora RHP: DOB: 5/25/2005. 6' 5", 205 lbs. Rule 5 Eligible Dec. 2029.
Jacob Bresnahan LHP: DOB: 6/27/2005. 6' 3", 220 lbs. Rule 5 Eligible Dec. 2027.
Greg Farone LHP: DOB: 5/3/2002. 6' 5", 252 lbs. Rule 5 Eligible Dec. 2027.
5-11, 5.48, 110.0 IP, 8.75 K/9, 4.91 BB/9.
Henry Lalane LHP: DOB: 5/18/2004. 6' 7", 211 lbs. Rule 5 Eligible.
Niko Mazza RHP: DOB: 2/19/2002. 5' 10", 193 lbs. Rule 5 Eligible Dec. 2027.
Charlie McDaniel LHP: DOB: 7/4/2001. 6' 3", 208 lbs. Rule 5 Eligible Dec. 2027.
Tyler Switalski LHP: DOB: 6/18/2003. 6' 4", 248 lbs. Rule 5 Eligible Dec. 2027.
A+:
Hunter Dryden RHP: DOB: 6/10/1002. 5' 9", 184 lbs. Rule 5 Eligible Dec. 2027.
2026(A+): 5-5, 4/47, 106.2 IP, 9.62 K/9, 4.30 BB/9.
Luis De La Torre LHP: DOB: 9/6/2003. 5' 11", 209 lbs. Rule 5 Eligible.
2026(A+): 3-7, 5.81, 100.2 IP, 11.26 K/9, 7.33 BB/9.
Jordan Gottesman LHP: DOB: 8/29/2002. 6' 1", 182 lbs. Rule 5 Eligible Dec. 2028.
Ramon Marquez RHP: DOB: 9/19/2005. 6' 2", 182 lbs. Rule 5 Eligible Dec. 2028.
Hayden Wynja LHP: DOB: 10/14/1998. 6' 8", 232 lbs. Rule 5 Eligible.
2026(MiLB- 3 levels): 3-0, 3.52, 23 IP, 11.35 K/9, 4.30 BB/9.
Marquez is the top prospect here, acquired in the Arraez trade to the Phillies. Gottesman put up nice numbers. He is a smallish lefty whose FB tops out at 93 MPH, at least when I saw him pitch. I could see him gaining velocity if he can bulk up his frame a bit. Wynja showed up late in the season after recovering from elbow surgery. As I have said many times, 6' 8" LHP's don't grow on trees.
A:
Argenis Cayama RHP: DOB: 9/15/2006. 6' 0", 204 lbs. Rule 5 Eligible Dec. 2028
2026(A): 4-2, 4.87, 57.1 IP, 11.46 K/9, 2.67 BB/9, 2.24 GB/FB.
Keyner Martinez RHP: DOB: 8/16/2004. 6' 1", 209 lbs. Rule 5 Eligible Dec. 2027.
2026(A): 4-5, 4.61, 93.2 IP, 12.88 K/9, 4.52 BB/9.
Leandro Rodriguez LHP: DOB: 11/15/2005. 5' 11", 212 lbs. Rule 5 Eligible Dec. 2028
ACL:
Carson Boleman LHP: DOB: 4/5/2007. 6' 4", 215 lbs. Drafted #29 overall 2026.
Kaeden Waechter RHP: DOB: 8/3/2007. 6' 3", 190 lbs. Drafted Round 2 #55 overall 2026.
Luke Mensik RHP: DOB: 7/30/2007. 6' 1", 199 lbs.
2026(ACL): 0-4, 6.25, 40.1 IP, 9.60 K/9, 4.46 BB/9, 1.49 GB/FB.
Carlos De La Rosa LHP: DOB: 11/30/2007. 5' 10", 193 lbs. Rule 5 Eligible Dec. 2029.
2026(ACL): 4-3, 6.55, 44.0 IP, 9.61 K/9, 5.52 BB/9, 1.76 GB/FB.
The Giants have historically had good success developing high school pitchers. They hope that route pays off bigly for Boleman and Waechter, but the payoff likely won't be for 3 or 4 seasons ahead.
We talk a lot about how the Giants are stuck with albatross contracts at third base and shortstop but right field might be as big or bigger problem after Jung Hoo Lee's second half collapse in 2026. There is not a lot of depth behind him although RF is a potential position for Bo Davidson. The ideal right fielder is a player who can hit 30 home runs and has a cannon for an arm to throw out runners at third base. Catchers who aren't great behind the plate and who can run a little sometimes make good RF's because they have great throwing arms. Let's break it down.
MLB:
Jung Hoo Lee: DOB: 8/20/1998. B- L, T-R. 6' 0", 196 lbs. Under contract through 2029 with opt-out after 2027. AAV= $18.83 M.
Bo Davidson: DOB: 7/5/2002. B-L, T-R. 6' 1", 225 lbs. 3 Options.
Grant McCray: DOB: 12/7/2000. B-L, T-R. 6' 1", 195 lbs. 1 Option.
AAA: None.
AA:
Jack Payton: DOB: 8/7/2001. B-R, T-R. 5' 11", 209 lbs. Rule 5 Eligible.
A+:
Cam Maldonado: DOB: 11/8/2003. B-R, T-R. 6' 2", 199 lbs. Rule 5 Eligible Dec. 2028.
A:
Charlie Bussey III: DOB: B-R, T-R. 6' 2", 205 lbs. Drafted 2026 Round 11.
Broedy Poppell: DOB: 6/13/2002. B-S, T-R. 5' 11", 200 lbs. Rule 5 Eligible Dec. 2028.
2026(A): .246/.359/.408, 14 2B, 2 3B, 8 HR, 15 SB, 12.3 BB%, 27.7 K%, 310 PA.
Poppell was also drafted as a catcher but seemed to be off the catcher depth chart in San Jose. Briefly sent down to the ACL where he played catcher then back up to San Jose where he played OF. Bussey has yet to play in a pro game.
ACL:
Carter Rust: DOB: 8/13/2002. B-R, T-R. 6' 4", 190 lbs.
2026(College- West Chester): .348/.415/.561, 9 HR, 33 SB, 8.6 BB%, 9.9 K%, 232 PA.
Evan Estevez: DOB: 8/14/2007. B-R, T-R. 6' 2", 213 lbs. Rule 5 Eligible Dec. 2028.
2026(ACL): .239/.345/.410, 7 HR, 3 SB, 13.1 BB%, 38.0 K%, 221 PA.
Carlos Concepcion: DOB: 1/6/2006. B-R, T-R. 6' 1", 189 lbs. Rule 5 Eligible Dec. 2027.
2026(ACL): .238/.315/.364, 4 HR, 7.7 BB%, 38.5 K%, 169 PA.
Rust was an undrafted free agent who has yet to play a pro game. Estevez and Concepcion both also play 1B.
Center Field is a unique defensive position requiring distinctly different tools and skills than the corners. It's therefore difficult to find centerfielders who are both great defenders and hitters. Willie Mays really was the GOAT.
MLB:
Drew Gilbert: DOB: 9/27/2000. B-L, T-L. 5' 9", 195 lbs. 2 Options, Arb Eligible 2029, Free Agent 2032.
Jonah Cox: DOB: 8/4/2001. B-R, T-R. 6' 2", 204 lbs. 3 Options.
Grant McCray: DOB: 12/7/2000. B-L, T-R. 6' 1", 195 lbs. 1 Option.
Bo Davidson: DOB: 7/5/2002. B- L, T-R. 6' 1", 225 lbs. 3 Options.
AAA: None
AA:
Dakota Jordan: DOB: 5/9/2003. B-R, T-R. 6' 0", 231 lbs. Rule 5 Eligible Dec. 2027.
Trevor Cohen: DOB: 10/29/2003. B-L, T-L. 5' 11", 192 lbs. Rule 5 Eligible Dec. 2028.
A+:
Jose Ortiz: DOB: 2/13/2005. B-R, T-R. 5' 9", 192 lbs. Rule 5 Eligible Dec. 2027.
A:
Andy Polanco: DOB: 4/29/2005, B-R, T-R. 6' 3", 181 lbs. Rule 5 Eligible Dec. 2027.
2026(A): .288/.332/.396, 18 2B, 9 3B, HR, 38 SB, 4.8 BB%, 30.5 K%, 393 PA.
Peyton Bonds: DOB: 7/19/2005. B-R, T-R. 6' 5", 230 lbs. Rule 5 Eligible Dec. 2029.
Tanner Mally: DOB: 8/18/2004. B-R, T-R. 6' 0", 185 lbs. Rule 5 Eligible Dec. 2029.
ACL:
Luis Frias: DOB: 8/7/2004. B-R, T-R. 5' 11", 155 lbs. Rule 5 Eligible.
Josiah Kemp: DNP. Drafted out of high school 2026, Round 11.
Frias finally made it to Arizona after 4 DSL seasons and is already Rule 5 Eligible. Could be odd man out in fierce competition for OF playing time. Josiah Kemp is Matt Kemp's nephew and looks like his unc. Here's what Perfect Game said about him: "Long and athletic outfielder with huge projection, bouncy fast twitch athlete with CF tools, outstanding at PG 16U World Series, PG underclass AA games." Can't wait to see him play.
It's hard to project outfielders to any one outfield position. Center field requires specific skills but the corners are often interchangeable. Many corner outfielders started out in center field. I will try my best project the outfielders to their likely position and only list them once to avoid repetition but keep in mind these are only my best estimates and there is a lot of overlap. If you don't see your favorite outfielder's name on this list, do not fear. Stay tuned for future posts on center field and right field.
MLB:
Casey Schmitt: DOB: 3/1/1999. B-R, T-R. 6' 0", 215 lbs. 1 Option, Arb Eligible 2027, Free Agent 2030.
2026(MLB): .271/.301/.483, 21 HR, 9 SB, 2.7 BB%, 19.8 K%, 409 PA.
Turner Hill: DOB: 4/4/1999. B-L, T-L. 5' 10", 198 lbs. 3 Options.
Victor Bericoto: DOB: 12/3/2001. B-R, T-R. 6' 1", 210 lbs. 3 Options.
Scott Bandura: DOB: 8/2/2001. B- L, T-R. 6' 3", 190 lbs. 3 Options.
AAA:
Will Brennan: DOB: 2/2/1998. B-L, T-L. 5' 11", 205 lbs. 1 Option, Free Agent 2027.
AA:
Lisbel Diaz: DOB: 7/19/2005. B-R, T-R. 6' 2", 204 lbs. Rule 5 Eligible Dec. 2027.
Jose Astudillo: DOB: 2/27/2004. B-R, T-R. 5' 9", 172 lbs. Rule 5 Eligible.
A+:
Damian Bravo: DOB: 9/8/2003. B-R, T-R. 6' 1", 200 lbs. Rule 5 Eligible Dec. 2028.
A:
Oliver Tejada: DOB: 12/9/2006. B-R, T-R. 5' 9", 189 lbs. Rule 5 Eligible Dec. 2028.
ACL:
Rayner Arias: DOB: 4/29/2006. B-R, T-R. 6' 0", 206 lbs. Rule 5 Eligible Dec. 2027.
2026(ACL): .196/.342/.361, 4 2B, 4 HR, 3 SB, 10.8 BB%, 32.5 K%, 120 PA.
Oh my! Up to now Arias' problems could be attributed to injuries. Either he lost too much development time or he has residual long term deficits from the injuries. 2027 might be his last chance to turn it around.
A funny thing happened on the way to the World Series and subsequent MLB CBA negotiations. The narrative was small market/low payroll teams can't compete with over-spending teams like the Dodgers, and not without evidence. 12 teams made the postseason. Per USA Today 10/15/2026, 8 of those 12 teams are in the top 10 in payroll. Except there are now three teams left in the postseason and the highest ranking team in payroll is the Milwaukee Brewers at #19. The Tampa Bay Rays are #25 and the Cleveland Guardians are dead last at #30 with a payroll of less than $100 M. The Chicago White Sox, a big market team with a low payroll, made the playoffs with a payroll under $100 M but were eliminated by the Guardians.
The highest payroll team, the Mets with a payroll almost 5 times the Guardians, did not make the playoffs at all. The Blue Jays at #5 did not get in. The Giants, who a large segment of their fanbase thinks do not spend enough on players rank 12'th in spending and since 3 higher spending teams did not get in, the Giants certainly spend enough to be a wild card team. Maybe that's a too-low aspiration but but they didn't even come close with the 4'th worst record in MLB.
So, at least for this season, the script is flipped. Yes, a high payroll increases a team's chances of making the postseason and since they can't win the World Series without being in the postseason it increases chances of winning it all. But payroll is not the sole determinant of winning. The Giants did not finish with the fourth worse record in MLB because of low payroll. They earned that underperformance with bad baseball decisions and maybe a little bad luck thrown in.
The other postseason thought is where do the the Dodgers turn after their complete collapse against the Brewers, a team with less than half their payroll? The Dodgers had the second highest payroll in MLB tied up in what appears to be a rapidly aging roster. In that regard, their situation is not completely unlike the Giants. Do they double down on spending and sign Tarik Skubal to a $500 M contract? Do they stand pat and hope for a big breakout from their prized prospect, Josue De Paula and other young players from their perennially highly ranked farm system? Some of that may depend on the outcome of the CBA negotiations in which the other owners adamantly want a hard payroll cap which now looks like it might not be necessary after all.