San Francisco Giants reportedly targeting significant pieces in free agency

The 2022 season was a significant disappointment for the San Francisco Giants. Just one year after winning 107 games and reaching the postseason, they stumbled to an 81-81 record, a distant third in the NL West and an afterthought in the Wild Card hunt.

Despite that step backward in 2022, the Giants are looking to compete once more in 2023. According to Bob Nightengale from USA Today, that includes targeting Aaron Judge and Trea Turner.

San Francisco Giants eyeing significant upgrades to lineup

The Giants’ interest in Judge is nothing new. Bob Nightengale had reported that they were planning on being one of his more ardent suitors once free agency begins. However, that report also stated that, if they are unable to land Judge, they would pivot to shortstop to upgrade their lineup.

But that may have changed. Nightengale’s new report indicates that the Giants are going to target Turner even if they land Judge, looking to make major splashes in free agency to improve a lineup that posted a 98 OPS+ last season. The Giants’ outfield had struggled as a whole last season, posting a combined .717 OPS with 76 homers. Judge would be a significant upgrade, albeit an expensive one.

The same can be said of Turner. Brandon Crawford went from a career season in 2021 to showing every one of his 35 years of age last season. Turner would not only add a dynamic element to the lineup, but could slide into any vacancy at short once Crawford departs after the upcoming season while potentially working as a stopgap in center or second.

For the Giants, the biggest question is how much money they are going to be able to spend. They have $95 million committed to 2023 for just seven players already. However, that number could decrease as Carlos Rodon is expected to opt out of his contract for next year and the Giants are looking to trade Tommy La Stella. Evan Longoria is expected to have his option declined in exchange for the $5 million buy out. Those moves would certainly free up money needed to bring Judge and Turner on board.

But the Giants also need more than just Judge and Turner. They need to fill out their rotation once again. There are plenty of holes in the bullpen as well, something that needs to be addressed this offseason as well. Depending on how much of a budget the front office has, Judge and/or Turner could be a pipe dream.

The San Francisco Giants are reportedly targeting Aaron Judge and Trea Turner this offseason. They would certainly help what was a disappointing lineup.