In a surprising offseason twist, the San Francisco Giants have been making some unexpected moves. Their pursuit of Luis Arráez for second base caught many off guard, and the addition of catcher Daniel Susac in the Rule 5 Draft wasn’t on most people’s radar.
While they addressed their pitching rotation, it wasn’t in the way anyone anticipated. The signing of Harrison Bader for center field was a sensible move, but many expected the Giants to prioritize their bullpen.
However, the most unexpected move came on Saturday, after the Giants wrapped up their Cactus League play with a 10-7 victory over the Cleveland Guardians. They signed reliever Ryan Borucki, a move that left many scratching their heads.
Initially, the signing seemed like a typical Minor League depth move. But when it was revealed to be a Major League deal, eyebrows were raised.
Borucki, a left-hander, showed promise as a rookie starter in 2018 but has struggled since transitioning to a relief role. Over six seasons, he’s posted a 4.26 ERA and a 4.53 FIP, with a -0.1 fWAR.
The standout year for Borucki was 2023, when he managed a 2.45 ERA, despite a 3.50 FIP, and issued just four walks in 40.1 innings. Outside of that season, his performance has been rocky, with ERAs of 4.94 in 2021, 5.68 in 2022, 7.36 in 2024, and 4.63 last year. His fastball velocity sits in the 43rd percentile, and despite inducing soft contact and groundballs, his allowed batting average (.227) was well below his expected average (.264).
Borucki did have a strong Spring Training, pitching six innings across six games without allowing a run and striking out eight. However, this was as a non-roster invitee for the Chicago White Sox, a team that lost 102 games last year. After being informed he wouldn’t make their Opening Day roster, he opted out, making him available to the Giants.
The Giants are short on left-handed relief options, but Erik Miller seems ready for Opening Day. Matt Gage and Joey Lucchesi are also in the mix, though neither is particularly exciting.
Gage, without options, faces uncertainty with both Miller and Borucki in the picture. To make room on the 40-man roster, Hayden Birdsong was moved to the 60-Day Injured List.
While Borucki’s recent performance offers some hope, the Giants' decision to bring him on board remains a bold and unexpected gamble.