The San Francisco Giants were able to post the best record in baseball in 2021 with a collection of castoffs and question marks. Their ability to take those arms from the scrap heap and turn them into highly desired options was truly remarkable.
But that also meant that the Giants needed to rebuild their rotation. Logan Webb was the only given at the start of the offseason. While they were able to bring Anthony DeSclafani back, and signed Alex Wood, the Giants needed a lot more if they were going to repeat as NL West champions in 2022.
San Francisco Giants sign Carlos Rodon
A major piece of the puzzle came to town on Friday. The Giants made the first major splash following the lockout, adding Carlos Rodon to their rotation. He reportedly signed a two year contract worth $44 million, which includes an opt-out after this year.
Rodon himself was on the scrap heap during the 2020-21 offseason. The White Sox had let him go after a miserable showing during the pandemic shortened 2020 campaign, eventually bringing him back on a one year deal worth $3 million. He essentially had one last chance to prove himself.
Suffice to say that Rodon did exactly that. He posted a stellar 2.37 ERA and a 0.957 WHiP over his 132.2 innings, striking out 185 batters with 36 walks. That performance was more than enough for Rodon to make his first All Star Game and would have likely put him in contention for the AL Cy Young had he not been hurt at the end of the year.
Even with that impressive showing, this contract is a major gamble for the Giants. Rodon had shown flashes of brilliance over the years, but had not come close to anything like his 2021 campaign. However, this is also the type of risk the Giants need to take if they are going to contend for the NL West in the upcoming year.
The San Francisco Giants have made the first major splash after the lockout. They have signed Carlos Rodon to shore up their rotation.