The San Francisco Giants have been relatively active this offseason, most recently adding Luis Arraez to bolster their infield. And while that move might signal the front office is winding down its winter work, there’s still room-and reason-for one more big swing before pitchers and catchers report.
Let’s talk pitching. Specifically, the kind that can elevate a rotation from serviceable to serious contender.
Framber Valdez and Zac Gallen remain unsigned with spring training just weeks away-a surprising development considering their track records. Their continued availability suggests the market hasn’t taken shape the way they or their agents expected.
That opens a door for a team like San Francisco to step in and potentially steal a frontline starter.
Giants Rotation: Full on Paper, But Questions Linger
Right now, the Giants technically have a five-man rotation in place. Logan Webb is the ace, no question there. Behind him, they’ve added Adrian Houser and Tyler Mahle, and they’re expecting contributions from Robbie Ray and Landen Roupp.
But here’s the reality: this group comes with more question marks than exclamation points.
Robbie Ray struggled mightily in the second half of last season. Landen Roupp showed promise when healthy, but injuries limited his availability.
Houser and Mahle? Solid depth arms, but banking on both to give you 30-plus starts is a risky bet.
This isn’t a rotation you walk into the season with and feel bulletproof.
That’s why adding another proven starter-especially one with top-of-the-rotation potential-should still be on the table.
Framber Valdez: The Durable Workhorse
Valdez entered the offseason as one of the most reliable arms on the market. He’s 32, and there have been whispers about his makeup, but on the mound, he’s been nothing short of consistent. He’s a sinkerballer who eats innings, induces weak contact, and doesn’t shy away from the spotlight.
Pairing Valdez with Logan Webb would give the Giants a one-two punch built on ground balls and durability-two traits that play especially well in Oracle Park. It’s a pairing that could help stabilize the rotation and allow the rest of the staff to slot into more comfortable roles.
Of course, San Francisco wouldn’t be the only team eyeing Valdez. But with the market still unsettled, there’s a window here.
Zac Gallen: A Bounce-Back Candidate With Upside
Then there’s Gallen. After a down year in 2025, his stock has cooled, but not forgotten is the version of Gallen that was once considered among the best young arms in baseball. He’s still in his prime and has the kind of swing-and-miss stuff that could thrive in a pitcher-friendly park like San Francisco.
He might not slot in as a true ace right now, but as a No. 2 or No. 3, he could be a major asset-especially if he returns to form. The Giants are reportedly among the top destinations for Gallen, and it’s easy to see why. He’s the kind of player who could benefit from a change of scenery and a short-term prove-it deal.
The Pitch: Short-Term Deals With Opt-Outs
Both Valdez and Gallen are in a spot where a short-term deal with an opt-out after the first year might make the most sense. It gives the player a chance to re-enter the market next offseason with a stronger hand, and it gives the team a high-upside arm without a long-term commitment.
For the Giants, that kind of structure could be a win-win-especially if they’re willing to get creative with money and stay under the luxury tax. Think deferred payments, front-loaded bonuses, or other financial gymnastics we’ve seen from teams like the Dodgers.
Roupp to the Bullpen? Not the Worst Outcome
If San Francisco does land another starter, it likely pushes Landen Roupp to the bullpen. But given his injury history, that might actually be the best move for now.
He could be a valuable multi-inning weapon and still be ready to step into the rotation if someone goes down. It’s a depth play with upside.
Final Word
The Giants have quietly put together a solid offseason, but there’s still a chance to turn “solid” into “formidable.” With Valdez and Gallen still unsigned, San Francisco has a real opportunity to upgrade its rotation in a meaningful way.
The pieces are there. The market is right.
Now it’s just a matter of whether the front office is ready to make one more move.
Because if they are, the Giants could head into 2026 with one of the most balanced and battle-ready pitching staffs in the National League.