The San Francisco Giants enter the offseason facing the challenge of rebuilding after yet another subpar season, finishing below .500 and missing the playoffs. Outside of their standout 2021 campaign, the team has struggled over the past decade, managing just two postseason appearances since 2015. This lack of consistency has left the franchise searching for ways to establish stability and long-term success.
To address these issues, the Giants recently appointed former star catcher Buster Posey as their new president of baseball operations. While Posey’s hiring has been met with optimism, he inherits a team in dire need of upgrades, particularly in its lineup, where a standout “face of the franchise” player is conspicuously absent. Posey’s first significant test will be revitalizing the roster, starting with addressing the team’s offensive struggles.
Securing a top free-agent hitter will be the Giants’ primary goal this winter, although past efforts to lure high-profile talent to San Francisco have fallen short. Still, Posey’s leadership could provide a new dynamic in attracting marquee players to the Bay Area.
In addition to improving their offense, the Giants must also focus on their pitching staff. With Blake Snell opting out of his player option to enter free agency, the Giants find themselves needing to fill a crucial void in their rotation. Snell performed well during the latter half of the season but is expected to command a contract exceeding $100 million, a price that may not align with the Giants’ priorities. Allocating resources toward bolstering the lineup may yield better overall results for the team.
To address their pitching needs cost-effectively, the Giants have been linked to veteran left-hander José Quintana. A prediction by Zachary D. Rymer of *Bleacher Report* suggests that the Giants could sign Quintana to a two-year, $24 million deal. Quintana, a reliable and experienced pitcher, would provide much-needed stability without requiring the financial commitment of a top-tier starter. Over the last three seasons, Quintana has made 76 starts with an impressive 3.39 ERA, showcasing his consistency as a ground-ball pitcher. In 2023, his 48.2% ground-ball rate ranked in the 79th percentile, underlining his effectiveness.
Interestingly, Quintana had a brief stint with the Giants in 2021, appearing in five games. Although he struggled that season, his performance has significantly improved since then. Last year with the New York Mets, Quintana recorded a 10-10 record and a respectable 3.75 ERA, reaffirming his status as a dependable rotation option.
Adding Quintana would be a smart, budget-friendly move for the Giants, allowing them to strengthen their rotation while preserving financial flexibility for offensive upgrades. As the team rebuilds under Posey’s leadership, signing a solid, cost-effective starter like Quintana could be a step in the right direction for restoring the Giants’ competitiveness.
