The San Francisco Giants have been keeping things quiet this offseason, at least so far. Aside from the addition of right-hander Adrian Houser, there hasn’t been much noise coming out of Oracle Park. But with the market starting to take shape, it’s a good time to look at where the Giants stand - who’s likely off their board, and who might still be in play as we inch closer to the new year.
Let’s start with the big names - the ones Giants fans were dreaming about when the offseason began, but who now look like long shots.
Free Agents the Giants Are Likely Out On
Tatsuya Imai
At one point, it looked like the Giants might dip into the international market for a high-end arm, and Imai was one of the more intriguing possibilities.
The 27-year-old righty from Japan has drawn plenty of attention, and for good reason - he’s got the stuff and the track record to command a major deal. But it’s become increasingly clear that San Francisco isn’t in the mix here.
That tracks with what we know about the organization’s approach under chairman Greg Johnson, who’s shown a reluctance to hand out nine-figure deals to pitchers. Imai is expected to land a contract in that range. And while he’s reportedly expressed interest in facing off against the Dodgers rather than joining them, it doesn’t look like that rivalry will be rekindled in orange and black.
Bo Bichette
There’s been speculation about the Giants upgrading the middle infield, especially at second base.
Bo Bichette’s name has popped up in rumors, but this one feels more like a pipe dream than a real possibility. While Bichette might be open to sliding over from shortstop, he’s going to command a major contract - and so far, the Giants haven’t shown a willingness to go big in free agency for that kind of upgrade.
Instead, the front office seems more focused on trade options when it comes to infield reinforcements. That makes Bichette - talented as he is - an unlikely fit for what San Francisco is building right now.
Kyle Tucker
If you’re a Giants fan hoping for a big bat in right field, Kyle Tucker would be the dream scenario.
A left-handed slugger with All-Star production and years of control? That’s exactly what this lineup could use.
But history tells us not to hold our breath.
The Giants haven’t landed a marquee lefty outfielder in free agency since the Barry Bonds era. The closest they’ve come might be Michael Conforto, and while he’s a solid player, he’s not in Tucker’s league. Tucker is likely to command a massive deal, and there’s no indication the Giants are ready to go that route.
So, that’s the bad news. But it’s not all doom and gloom. There are still a few names out there who fit what the Giants seem to be targeting - players with upside, shorter-term deals, and positional fits that make sense.
Free Agents the Giants Could Still Target
Chris Bassitt
If the Giants want to double down on their pitching depth, Chris Bassitt makes a lot of sense.
He’s not a frontline ace, but he’s been a consistent, reliable arm - and he’s coming off a season with a 3.96 ERA. That’s the kind of production that can stabilize a rotation, especially one that’s still figuring out its identity behind Logan Webb.
Bassitt’s market isn’t expected to break the bank. A two-year deal in the $30-35 million range seems realistic, and that’s right in the Giants’ wheelhouse. He fits the mold of the type of veteran arm this front office has targeted in recent years - steady, durable, and cost-effective.
Harrison Bader
The outfield is still a question mark, and if the Giants want to shore up the defense while adding a bit of spark, Harrison Bader is worth a look.
He’s not going to carry the offense, but he doesn’t have to. His glove plays - especially in center - and he brings speed and athleticism that this roster could use.
Offensively, Bader’s not likely to repeat his best seasons, but he’s shown he can be productive in the right role. If the Giants are looking for a complementary piece rather than a star, Bader fits the bill.
Evan Phillips
San Francisco has made a habit of betting on bounce-back arms in the bullpen, and Evan Phillips could be next in line. The former Dodgers reliever is coming off Tommy John surgery, but when healthy, he was one of the more effective late-inning arms in the league.
There’s risk here, of course - any pitcher coming off major surgery is a question mark - but the upside is real. If the Giants are willing to be patient, Phillips could become a valuable piece of the bullpen puzzle by midseason.
So where does that leave the Giants? Well, it’s safe to say they’re not shopping at the top of the market.
But that doesn’t mean they’re standing still. The front office, now led by Buster Posey in his new role, seems to be playing the long game - looking for value, flexibility, and pieces that fit the bigger picture.
There’s still time for a surprise or two, but for now, Giants fans might want to temper expectations. This offseason looks more like a build-through-the-margins kind of winter, not a blockbuster bonanza.