Yesterday, I wrote about how I thought the San Francisco Giants were done signing starting pitchers. After adding Tyler Mahle and Adrian Houser on one and two-year deals, respectively, the Giants now have five established starters, as that duo joins incumbents Logan Webb, Robbie Ray, and Landen Roupp.
Not everyone agrees with that assessment. Some think the Giants are still actively in search of a pitcher who can bring a little more … something (or a little less something, if you’re looking at ERA).
Many presume that the Giants — as has so often been their philosophy over the last seven-plus years — will simply sign good players if good players become available at good prices, and thus are not actively looking for another starter, but will take one should a good deal emerge.
Regardless of which camp your tent is pitched in, we can all agree that the Giants are not done. Moves will be made, wether through free agency or trades, and whether they are large or small. The question is: which moves?
Another pitcher would make sense, even if the intriguing relief options are drying up and the Giants have shown no interest in spending for bullpen arms. Brendan Donovan still hasn’t been traded, though the longer that drags on, the higher his price tag likely is. A veteran outfielder sure would be welcome, with the options being Harrison Bader and … umm …. Bader, Harrison.
So what comes next? I’d guess that Buster Posey and Zack Minasian haven’t decided yet. I’m not sure they’re approaching the offseason with a to-do list, so much as taking things day-by-day and move-by-move, making evaluations as various names are discussed. I’ll predict a mild-mannered bullpen move, followed by a trade for a less mild-mannered position player.
