The Giants were one of the biggest surprise teams in baseball during MLB's shortened 60-game season. They found themselves right in the playoff hunt until the very last day before coming up short. So, what's next for this front office?
SNY's Andy Martino reported Thursday that the Giants are a team perceived by rivals to "spend significantly this offseason."
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SIGN UP HERE What exactly that means is anyone's best guess. President of baseball operations Farhan Zaidi has only handed out one multi-year contract since being hired by the Giants prior to the 2019 season. That contract belongs to infielder Wilmer Flores, who signed a two-year, $6.25 million contract. The Giants didn't exactly break the bank there.
Zaidi made smart signings last year by adding pitchers Kevin Gausman, Drew Smyly and Tyler Anderson to one-year deals. It also clearly paid off bringing back Donovan Solano, who won a Silver Slugger this season, and Alex Dickerson. With Buster Posey back next season and more young talent on the way, perhaps Zaidi has his eyes on a big-name free agent this offseason.
MLB Network's Jon Heyman has heard whispers that link the Giants to NL Cy Young favorite Trevor Bauer, and even predicted the right-hander signs a five-year, $150 million contract with San Francisco. Bauer might be the biggest name in free agency this offseason, and the Giants of course could use an ace at the top of the rotation. The Giants are flush with cash, but this wouldn't fall in line with Zaidi's history, dating back to his time with the Los Angeles Dodgers.
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The Giants might be more inclined to make a big move, or moves, when multiple big contracts could come off the books after next season. Buster Posey, Johnny Cueto, Brandon Belt and Brandon Crawford all could be free agents after the 2021 season. Belt and Crawford are set to be free agents after next season, while Posey and Cueto both have a 2022 team option. Plus, the 2021-22 market is full of stars.
Those around the league could see the Giants exercising the $18.9 million qualifying offer on Kevin Gausman as a sign of big spending to come this offseason for Zaidi and Co. Perhaps it is, but we'll have to be patient. The hot stove is set to be on low for a long time this offseason.