San Francisco Giants need long term answers for rotation
By David Hill
The San Francisco Giants are in a difficult spot in the NL West. Not only are they clearly behind both the Dodgers and Padres, but they do not exactly have a stellar minor league system. While they have top prospects in Joey Bart and Marco Luciano, the Giants system is lacking in arms. Only two of their top ten prospects are pitchers, and both may not be ready until 2023.
Meanwhile, the Giants do not have much in the way of a long term solution in their rotation. Their top four starters – Johnny Cueto, Kevin Gausman, Anthony DeSclafani, and Alex Wood – are on one year deals. Although the Giants are looking for more depth for their rotation, they are looking at major changes in the coming offseason.
San Francisco Giants need long term answers
This does not mean that the Giants are devoid of intriguing arms down the line. Seth Corry has the makings of a middle of the rotation starter, and Sean Hjelle could be the type of pitcher that outperforms his stuff. There is some talent there.
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But the Giants do not have that top of the rotation arm in their system. Their top pitching prospects project as middle of the rotation arms at best. They also do not have a long term answer already at the major league level, unless the hope is that Logan Webb can find another gear.
Should the division shake out as expected, the Giants could be active at the trade deadline. Any of their top four arms could be of interest to a contending team as they look to make a push to the postseason. But those arms need to stay healthy, which has not always been the case.
Nonetheless, the Giants need to find long term answers for the rotation. Perhaps that can come in the form of an extension for Gausman, who found himself in San Francisco. Or maybe they can get that major league ready arm in a trade. No matter what, the Giants need to figure out their rotation going forward.
San Francisco Giants Mount Rushmore. dark. Next
The San Francisco Giants rotation is set for 2020. The question is what will they do after the season comes to an end.