As a disappointing 2022 season comes to a conclusion, San Francisco Giants president of baseball operations Farhan Zaidi is already teasing what steps his team may take in the offseason in an effort to return to the top of the National League West.
San Francisco Giants could make big splashes in the coming offseason
In a recent interview on MLB Network Radio, Zaidi made very clear that the San Francisco Giants could be a team to watch for potentially big-impact moves this offseason.
Farhan Zaidi President #SFGiants told us today @mlbnetworkradio in regards to their offseason plans: " Everything is on the table for us including going out and being aggressive at the top end of the free agent market"
— Jim Bowden⚾️🏈 (@JimBowdenGM) September 5, 2022
With the Giants at 64-68 heading into Labor Day’s action, it’s a huge drop from last season’s franchise-record 107 wins that earned the team the NL West title by a game over the Los Angeles Dodgers. The Giants have $96.5 million already on the payroll for next season, and that includes $22.5 million owed to starting pitcher Carlos Rodón. However, Rodón has triggered an opt-out clause in his contract by pitching over 110.0 innings this season. MLB insider Jon Heyman has said that if Rodon opts out of his contract, the Giants will likely issue him a qualifying offer, ensuring they can at least get a compensatory draft pick if he leaves for another team.
“Being aggressive at the top end of the free agent market” should be the phrase that most intrigues Giants fans. There are plenty of big names who could be on the open market once the offseason begins and, if the Giants choose to spend in a big way in the offseason, it could certainly reshape the look of the team in 2023.
There has also been plenty of buzz about the Giants being a potential landing spot for Shohei Ohtani should the Los Angeles Angels choose to trade him. Depending on the Angels’ plans and what could happen with an ownership transition, that could be a very interesting offseason development to watch as well.