2019 MLB season: National League West preview
By David Hill
5. San Francisco Giants
At the beginning of the decade, the San Francisco Giants were a dynasty, winning three World Series in five years. They appeared to have magic in those even numbered years, finding ways to win.
Those days are long gone. Yes, some pieces of the glory days remain, such as Madison Bumgarner, Buster Posey, and Brandon Belt, but this is not the same Giants team. That was noticeable in their approach to the offseason, when the biggest signings were Cameron Maybin, Yangervis Solarte, Gerardo Parra on minor league contracts.
That is not to say that the major league side was ignored. Derek Holland was brought back, and the Giants made a low cost signing with Drew Pomeranz to fill out the rotation. They attempted to land Bryce Harper to add an actual major league caliber outfielder to the roster, but came up short.
Right now, the focus for the Giants during the 2019 MLB season is to find pieces for the future. That may involve making several difficult decisions when it comes to the trade deadline, particularly with the likes of Bumgarner. However, if the Giants are going to contend once again, that is the direction the franchise will need to take.
The San Francisco Giants began the decade as a candidate for the Team of the 2010s. Now, they are ending the decade in a desperate need of a rebuild, those glory days far behind.