Coming off a World Series victory over the Kansas City Royals in 2014, the San Francisco Giants failed to return to the postseason in 2015 – which has become expected in odd-numbered years for the team – but they still managed to play well for a majority of the season. Entering 2016, expectations are high as the team added two potential front-line starters in Johnny Cueto and Jeff Samardzija, while maintaining an already strong lineup.
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Key Offseason Additions: RHP Johnny Cueto, RHP Jeff Samardzija, OF Denard Span
Key Offseason Subtractions: OF Nori Aoki, RHP Mike Leake, RHP Tim Lincecum
The Rotation: Led by Madison Bumgarner, the Giants rotation was among the best in baseball last season with a 3.73 team ERA, good for 9th in the majors. Whereas the team relied on young, inexperienced pitchers such as Chris Heston in 2015, that shouldn’t be an issue with the additions of Cueto and Samardzija.
Before struggling with the Royals down the stretch last season – and ultimately redeeming himself in the World Series – Cueto was known as one of the league’s most dangerous starters for his ability to limit base runners while managing to get hitters out in a variety of ways. As for Samardzija, his stock slipped last season after a rough year with the Chicago White Sox – but he pitched to a 2.99 ERA and 3.20 FIP as recently as 2014, so a bounceback season could be in the cards for the 31-year-old.
Behind those three, veterans Jake Peavy and Matt Cain will look to stay healthy and work their way back from injury-plagued 2015 seasons. Cain, who was widely recognized as San Francisco’s ace just three seasons ago, could enjoy a solid season without the pressure of being the ace or No. 2 starter. Also, if injuries arise at some point, the team has Heston and prospect Kyle Crick vying for chances at the major league level. Expect the Giants rotation to be among the best in the game.
The Lineup: Despite a lack of prototypical stars to complement Buster Posey, the San Francisco Giants lineup is balanced from top to bottom. Infielders Matt Duffy, Joe Panik and Brandon Crawford all enjoyed breakout 2015 campaigns and look like potential franchise cornerstones going forward.
Here’s a look at what the team’s everyday lineup is likely to look like:
- CF Denard Span
- 2B Joe Panik
- C Buster Posey
- RF Hunter Pence
- 1B Brandon Belt
- SS Brandon Crawford
- 3B Matt Duffy
- LF Angel Pagan
- Pitcher
Offseason addition Denard Span gives the roster the leadoff hitter it so desperately lacked last season – and the team should score plenty of runs behind what’s expected to be productive seasons from Posey, Pence and Belt.
The Bullpen: Closer Santiago Casilla enjoyed a very solid 2015 season in the closer role, as he pitched to a 2.79 ERA on the way to 38 saves. The retirement of Jeremy Affeldt – despite his struggles last season – leaves the team searching for another left-handed reliever, but 27-year-old Josh Osich should fill that role. Sergio Romo will likely man the eighth inning on most nights, and should pitch effectively again in 2016.
Competitions: With a roster that’s virtually set in stone, the Giants don’t have any major competitions to watch for in the spring. If a minor league reliever sets the world on fire, he could push for a job in the bullpen, but the rest of the roster looks ready to go.