SF Giants Leave Winter Meetings Empty-Handed - and That Might Be the Plan
The Winter Meetings wrapped up in Orlando this week, and if you were hoping for fireworks from the San Francisco Giants, well, you’re still holding the match. With the hot stove barely flickering across the league, the Giants’ quiet showing wasn’t exactly an outlier - but it also didn’t do much to inspire confidence that a major move is coming anytime soon.
While the meetings were light on blockbuster deals league-wide - Kyle Schwarber returned to Philadelphia, Pete Alonso landed in Baltimore, and the Dodgers added Edwin Díaz to their bullpen roulette - the Giants’ approach felt especially restrained. Their only notable roster addition was catcher Daniel Susac, a move that bolsters backup depth but doesn’t address the more pressing issues staring this team in the face.
Rotation Holes Still Loom Large
Let’s be clear: the Giants’ biggest needs remain in the starting rotation, where they’re currently staring at two significant vacancies. And yet, there’s no indication they’re ready to open the checkbook to fill them.
Reports suggest the front office is leaning toward a volume-based strategy - think quantity over marquee names - hoping to strike gold with a few under-the-radar arms. It's the baseball equivalent of bargain-bin shopping: pick up a handful of low-cost options and see who sticks once the season gets rolling.
That’s a risky approach in a division where the Dodgers are not just reloading - they’re steamrolling. Los Angeles has claimed back-to-back World Series titles, and they’re still acting like a team that wants more. Meanwhile, the Giants seem content to tread water - or at least, they’re not in a rush to dive into the deep end of free agency.
Is a Trade Brewing?
Of course, there’s always the possibility that something bigger is in the works behind the scenes. President of Baseball Operations Buster Posey has shown he’s not afraid to make bold moves - the Willy Adames signing and Rafael Devers trade are proof of that. But as of now, there’s no clear indication that a splashy trade is imminent.
Top prospect Bryce Eldridge has been mentioned in trade speculation, but moving him would take a significant return, and right now, asking prices across the league remain steep. If those demands soften in the coming weeks, maybe Posey pulls the trigger. Until then, fans are left waiting - and wondering.
Posey’s Patience vs. Fan Expectations
Posey’s track record and legacy in San Francisco buy him some time. He’s a franchise icon with three World Series rings and a growing reputation as a savvy executive. But patience isn’t infinite, especially if other free agents start flying off the board and the Giants are still sitting on their hands.
The concern isn’t just about missing out on talent - it’s about falling further behind. The Dodgers are the class of the division, and the gap between the two clubs feels like it’s only getting wider. If the Giants’ plan is to rely on internal growth and modest additions while hoping new manager Tony Vitello can elevate the current roster, that’s a tough sell to a fanbase hungry for relevance - and results.
Looking Ahead to 2026
Right now, the Giants’ offseason strategy feels like a puzzle with too many missing pieces. The rotation needs help, the bullpen could use reinforcements, and the lineup could still benefit from a jolt of power or speed. There’s time to make moves - but the clock is ticking.
If San Francisco is going to close the gap on the Dodgers and stay competitive in a tough NL West, it’s going to take more than depth signings and development bets. Whether that means a surprise trade, a late free-agent splash, or a shift in spending philosophy, something’s got to give.
Otherwise, 2026 might look a lot like 2025 - and that’s not the direction this team wants to be heading.