Although many significant MLB free agents remain unsigned, we will officially declare the 2020-2021 Hot Stove League season finished. While Giants fans were cautiously hopeful for a splashy signing or two, in the end the biggest splash was offering Kevin Gausman RHP a Qualifying Offer that he accepted. After FZ and staff spread the money around going for depth and taking some chances on upside with lower cost contracts.
When FZ unveiled his offseason wish list, it should have alerted fans that no, neither Trevor Bauer RHP nor George Springer OF were coming here. Instead it was pitching depth and a lefthanded infield bat. He accomplished those modest goals. In the end, the contracts added up to a significant investment for this season and minimal commitment to future seasons, which is just about every GM's dream situation.
So let's break it down and review the Giants Hot Stove moves for 2020-2021:
PLAYERS LEAVING:
Retired: Hunter Pence OF. It was definitely time, but what a nice career! He's not a Hall of Famer, but definitely on the Forever Good Giants list.
Free Agents: Jeff Samardzija RHP, Drew Smyly LHP, Tony Watson LHP, Chris Herrmann C, Tyler Heineman C, Joey Rickard OF, Zach Green IF, Kean Wong IF, Sam Moll LHP, Trevor Cahill RHP. Overall I would say The Shark's tenure with the Giants was more frustrating and disappointing. In the end, there were probably better ways to invest that $90 M. Tough to see Smyly go as he was brilliant last year with reasonable hope for even better in the future, but he got an offer from the Braves that was too rich for FZ's taste. The rest of this list are players I think the fans are happy to move on from.
Non-tendered Contracts for Arbitration: Tyler Anderson LHP, Daniel Robertson IF. I still tend to think Robertson is going to break out. Can't argue with replacing him with Tommy La Stella but that leaves the Giants thin at SS.
DFA/Released: Chris Shaw 1B/OF, Aramis Garcia C, Enderson Franco RHP(Korea), Andrew Suarez LHP(Korea), Justin Smoak 1B(Japan). Suarez was probably the biggest surprise here although he landed his overseas deal before being released which was also a bit odd. Some emotional ties with prospect watchers for Shaw and Garcia.
Traded: Shaun Anderson RHP. Traded to the Twins for LaMonte Wade Jr OF. Anderson came to the Giants as half of the return package from the Red Sox for Eduardo Nunez. Anderson showed flashes of brilliance but was never able to establish consistency and was rapidly running out of chances with the Giants.
PLAYERS ACQUIRED:
MLB Free Agents: Jason Vosler IF, Anthony DeSclafani RHP(1 yr/$6 M), Matt Wisler RHP(1 yr/$1.15 M), John Brebbia RHP(1 yr/$800 K), Curt Casali C(1 yr/$1.5 M), Alex Wood LHP(1 yr/$3 M), Tommy La Stella IF(3 yr/$18.75 M), Jake McGee LHP(2 yr/$7 M), Aaron Sanchez RHP(1 yr/$4 M). (Kevin Gausman RHP accepted a 1 year Qualifying Offer of $18.9 M instead of declaring free agency). Interesting mix here. The Giants obviously hope Gausman can build on his impressive but short 2020 campaign and avoid a longterm commitment. Based on FZ's stated goals, La Stella is the perfect fit. Casali adds some pop to the backup C role which was sorely missing in 2020. The common thread among the pitchers is injury history but lots of upside if healthy. This is the same strategy FZ employed with the Dodgers. Sign enough of those and you end up being able to cobble together a pitching staff, even if you have to shuttle guys in and out of the IL.
Trade: LaMonte Wade Jr. OF. Wade has the peripheral stats FZ likes and adds a lefthanded bat to the OF depth.
Rule 5 Draft: Dedniel Nunez RHP. Seems a bit closer to being MLB ready than some prior Rule 5 picks.
Minor League Free Agents: Dominic Leone RHP, Silvino Bracho RHP, Jay Jackson RHP, Arismendy Alcantara RHP, James Sherfy RHP, Zack Littell RHP, Nick Tropeano RHP. Tropeano seems like the best bet to make the Opening Day Roster. The rest provide depth.
SUMMARY:
Overall, the Giants signed 9 players via MLB free agency including Gausman's QO deal. The total 1 year payroll cost for 2021 is $39.35 M with $21.75 M left in future commitments. By my count there they have 22 players under MLB contract and without options, so barring trades, it would seem like there are 4 Active Roster spots open for competition.
I think FZ did what he had to do this offseason and he accomplished what he set out to do. Whether he set his goals high enough is open to debate. Barring very much unforseen circumstances, the Giants will not compete with the Dodgers or Padres in the NL West. They might be longshot contenders for a Wild Card playoff spot.
With most of the roster set for free agency after the season and an up and coming farm system, it seems the "rebuild" should kick into gear in earnest 2021. Is the Giants ownership and their fans patient enough to see that process through?
For what it's worth, I truly believe the Giants are going to make a strong case that they are worth watching, or following on the radio. A playoff berth is highly unlikely, but I think this team has the potential to be a real problem for their opponents. The Giants will surely have a stinker every now and then, but I am betting they play a lot of good baseball and push "better" teams to the point of frustration often.
ReplyDeleteBack in 2010 the Giants looked like the Island of Misfit Toys, so one just never knows where things might end up. If nothing else they look like they'll be interesting to see and follow.
ReplyDeleteI am glad Aramis Garcia made it back to the Bay with Oakland, along with Sergio and Gregorio. I liked the cut of his jib and was sorry when he was injured.
My expectations are for the Giants to play meaningful games until late in the season. The owners gave FZ a mandate to make smart baseball decisions. I've read rival execs say the Giants made some savvy moves this off season and accomplished their goals. It's amazing to me that FZ and the Giants will have the financial flexibility in 2022 to rebuild the team to his liking. If the organization continues to show progress during this rebuilding phase but ownership becomes impatient and decides to make another change at the top, then they will look foolish.
ReplyDeleteAloha Doc, not sure if you'll have a minor league round up when their season starts, but I'd look forward to any thoughts you'll have on the Giants farm system especially on Marco Luciano.
ReplyDeleteI skipped the Top 50 prospects list this year because there is so little new information to go on. Definitely looking forward to looking up minor league boxscores again. I'll decide whether to post daily Down on the Farm segments when the time comes. I definitely needed the break from the pressure of feeling like I had to post something every day. It had become more like a job than a hobby.
DeleteThanks Doc, I don't know how you've kept up with your blog all these years, along with your regular job which is much more important. Thanks for your great work. I'll admit I'm starting to look forward to seeing what kind of player Marco Luciano can become in the future.
ReplyDeleteI think he has a chance to be one of the greats. Just trying to not get my hopes up too high.
Delete82 wins would be a good season.
ReplyDeleteAnd end their streak of sub-.500 years, 4 with last tear's 29-31.
More is achievement, making adding meaningful FA's more likely -- more likely guys with choices will come to San Francisco.