Kevin Gausman has been a revelation for the San Francisco Giants. A former top prospect with the Orioles, he seemed destined to land on the scrap heap of those highly touted minor leaguers who were unable to live up to their potential. A move to the west coast allowed Gausman to become the pitcher he was projected to develop into.
Given his success in San Francisco, it is understandable that the Giants would be interested in keeping him on board. According to reports, they are expected to make a strong push to keep Gausman in town with a multi-year deal.
San Francisco Giants hope to keep Kevin Gausman for long term
If the Giants are going to keep Gausman, it will need to be with that extension. They had placed the Qualifying Offer on him last offseason and are unable to do so again. If a long term deal cannot be finalized in the coming days, they will risk losing him in free agency.
Gausman has placed himself amongst the better pitchers that could be on the market. He was an All Star last season, posting a 2.81 ERA and a 1.042 WHiP in his 192 innings, striking out 227 batters with 50 walks. If he can continue to perform at that level, he would be an ace in virtually any rotation.
That is how the Giants view him. The Giants regard the rotation as their top priority, as Logan Webb is the only guaranteed starter that they have on the roster right now. With plenty of payroll flexibility, and the hope to return to the postseason after their surprising run in 2021, San Francisco should be able to bring in a solid stable of arms.
Gausman is a key part of those plans. While he may be in the second tier of potential free agent arms, he has still been able to establish himself as an ace. The Giants will need to have that stopper atop their rotation, especially in what should be a competitive division. Bringing Gausman back would be a step in the right direction.
The San Francisco Giants are hoping to keep Kevin Gausman for the long term. They will need him in order to contend in the NL West.