Giants Add Pitching Depth with Houser, Bullpen Reinforcements - But Is More on the Way?
The San Francisco Giants finally broke their offseason silence with a trio of pitching additions on Tuesday, signaling that the front office is starting to shape the 2026 roster. The headliner?
Adrian Houser, a veteran right-hander who brings stability to a rotation that still feels like it's waiting for one more big piece. Alongside Houser, the Giants also brought in a pair of bullpen arms - one a familiar face, the other a potential midseason reinforcement.
Let’s break it all down.
Adrian Houser Joins the Rotation
The Giants signed Adrian Houser to a two-year, $22 million deal with a club option for a third season - a move that may not generate headlines, but one that adds a steady presence to the back end of the rotation. Houser isn’t a flashy acquisition, but he’s the kind of arm that can take the ball every fifth day and keep a team in games.
Last season, splitting time between the White Sox and Rays, Houser posted a 3.31 ERA across 21 starts. That’s not ace-level production, but it’s solid - especially for a team that’s been searching for consistency behind Logan Webb and the recovering Robbie Ray.
And yes, Giants fans might remember that Houser didn’t allow a single run in two starts against San Francisco last year. He’s shown he can be effective, and now the Giants are betting he can do it in orange and black.
While fans may have been dreaming of splashier names like Tatsuya Imai or Framber Valdez, Houser represents a pragmatic approach - a mid-tier signing that doesn’t tie up long-term money but still fills a need. The Giants’ front office appears to be playing the long game, keeping financial flexibility intact while still addressing holes.
Bullpen Gets a Boost - Eventually
The Giants didn’t stop at the rotation. They also added two right-handed relievers: Jason Foley and Gregory Santos.
Foley is the more established name, but fans will have to wait a bit to see him in action. He’s recovering from surgery and isn’t expected to return until midseason.
Still, when healthy, he’s proven he can be a late-inning weapon. In 2024, Foley racked up 28 saves and a 3.15 ERA for the Tigers, showcasing the kind of stuff that can lock down games when it matters most.
If he returns to form, he could be a huge second-half boost.
Santos, meanwhile, is a bit of a homecoming story. He made his MLB debut with the Giants back in 2021 and now returns on a minor league deal with a spring training invite.
The righty has dealt with injuries the past two seasons while with the Mariners, but the Giants are clearly intrigued by the upside. When healthy, Santos can light up the radar gun, and that’s always going to get a bullpen coach’s attention.
If he can stay on the field, he could force his way into the mix.
Still Shopping for a Starter?
The moves made so far feel like the groundwork for something bigger - and there’s reason to believe the Giants aren’t done yet. According to Susan Slusser of the San Francisco Chronicle, the team is still in the market for another starting pitcher, potentially one who could sit near the top of the rotation.
That’s a promising sign for a fanbase that’s been waiting for a big swing. While a true ace might not be in the cards, the Giants could still target a reliable No. 3-type arm to slot in behind Webb and Ray. That would allow Houser and young right-hander Landen Roupp to round out the rotation, giving the team a more balanced and deeper starting five.
What It All Means
So far, this has been a measured offseason for the Giants - no headline-grabbing deals, no blockbuster trades. But Tuesday’s moves suggest a plan is in motion.
Houser gives them innings and experience. Foley could be a difference-maker in the second half.
Santos is a lottery ticket with upside.
And if the team does land another starter? Suddenly, this rotation starts to look a lot more formidable.
The Giants aren’t making noise just yet, but they’re building something. And with a few more smart moves, they might just have the ingredients for a bounce-back season in 2026.