As Opening Night approaches, the San Francisco Giants are still fine-tuning their roster, highlighted by their recent acquisition of left-handed pitcher Ryan Borucki. With the bullpen being a significant area of focus, the Giants are looking to bolster their depth with some veteran talent.
Currently, the Giants are expected to enter the season with eight relief pitchers. The addition of Borucki enhances their left-handed options, alongside Erik Miller, who’s back to full health and likely to be a key figure in high-leverage situations.
Matt Gage also stands a good chance of making the roster. Once Sam Hentges returns from injury, the Giants will have another solid lefty to call upon.
While the left-handed depth is promising, the Giants might still be on the lookout for a couple more right-handed arms to ensure a balanced bullpen.
Here are three veteran relievers the Giants should consider adding to their roster:
Liam Hendriks
Recently released by the Minnesota Twins, the 37-year-old Hendriks was once a standout All-Star closer with the A’s and White Sox. Although injuries have taken their toll, he showed potential during spring training with the Twins, giving up just three earned runs over seven innings. Taking a chance on Hendriks could pay off if he regains his form.
Andrew Chafin
Chafin, another recent release by the Twins, could further strengthen the Giants' left-handed depth. He posted an impressive 2.41 ERA across 42 appearances last season with the Angels and Nationals. His solid spring training performance makes him an attractive option for the Giants’ bullpen.
Hunter Strickland
A familiar name for Giants fans, Strickland has enjoyed a successful stint post-Giants with the Angels. Despite a strong showing in spring training, allowing just one run in five innings, he was let go. While there might be some history to consider, Strickland’s ability to get outs could make him a valuable asset.
As the season progresses, San Francisco’s bullpen will likely undergo changes. By stockpiling arms now, the Giants can experiment with different combinations to find the most effective setup. This proactive approach could be key to their success throughout the year.