Giants Face a Pivotal Offseason: Budget Constraints, Infield Gaps, and a Shot at Tatsuya Imai
The San Francisco Giants are heading into the offseason knowing exactly where the holes are-and they’re not small. Second base and right field continue to be problem areas, and the front office, now led by Buster Posey, understands that last year’s production simply won’t cut it if they want to stay competitive in 2026.
Let’s start with the infield. Second base was a revolving door last season, and not in a good way.
Tyler Fitzgerald took a step back after showing promise, and while Casey Schmitt had a solid stretch in June, he faded just as quickly. Christian Koss is an interesting depth piece, but he’s not the answer as an everyday starter.
The Giants have made it clear that second base is a top priority this winter. The problem?
Free agency isn’t exactly brimming with options, especially if you're not in the market for a long-term deal. With players like Matt Chapman, Willy Adames, and Rafael Devers already locked into big contracts elsewhere, San Francisco isn’t looking to add another major infield commitment.
That leaves the trade market-and that’s where things get interesting.
Two names stand out as potential fits: Jorge Polanco and Brandon Lowe. Polanco brings a veteran bat and switch-hitting versatility, but his knee issues are a concern.
Still, when healthy, he’s a legitimate offensive asset. Lowe, on the other hand, is a classic buy-low candidate.
He’s owed $11.5 million, and while injuries have slowed him down, the upside is still there. He’s a left-handed slugger with pop and postseason experience, and if Tampa Bay is willing to listen, the Giants could make a move without breaking the bank.
San Francisco has the young arms to get a deal done. Pitchers like Landen Roupp, Hayden Birdsong, and Carson Whisenhunt have drawn attention, and with the Cardinals also shopping for pitching, the Giants are in a position to deal from a place of depth. Add in the fact that they’re reportedly not chasing nine-figure pitching contracts, and it’s clear the strategy this winter is about smart, value-driven moves-not splashy headlines.
But that doesn’t mean they’re staying out of the international market.
Enter Tatsuya Imai.
The Japanese ace is coming off a dominant season with the Seibu Lions, where he threw 163 2/3 innings with a 1.92 ERA and racked up 178 strikeouts. He’s the kind of pitcher who could immediately elevate a rotation, and the Giants are reportedly in the mix. Imai is represented by Scott Boras and has until January 3 to negotiate with MLB teams.
What makes Imai especially intriguing isn’t just the numbers-it’s the mindset. In a recent interview with TV Asahi, Imai made it clear that he’s not just looking for a paycheck.
He wants to compete. Specifically, he wants to beat the Dodgers.
That kind of fire would fit right in with a Giants team looking to reclaim ground in the NL West.
If San Francisco lands Imai, they could roll out a rotation featuring Logan Webb, Robbie Ray, and the Japanese star-an immediate upgrade and a legitimate threat in the division. But that’s a big “if.” Signing Imai won’t be easy, especially with other teams circling and the Giants watching their budget closely.
So where does that leave them?
In a spot that demands precision. They’re not shopping for stars-they’re hunting for value. Whether it’s a trade for a bounce-back bat like Brandon Lowe, or a calculated push for an international ace like Imai, the Giants’ offseason will be defined by how well they navigate the margins.
No blockbusters, no blank checks. Just smart baseball moves. And if they hit the right notes, this winter could quietly set the stage for a serious run in 2026.