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Nobody expected the San Francisco Giants to be a playoff team in 2021, much less finish the regular season with the best record in baseball. Of course, after accomplishing so much but falling short in the NLDS, the SF Giants offseason in 2021 and 2022 should be interesting to watch. Do they remain on the path they were on before the 2021 season or do they double-down and go for it in 2022?
The list of upcoming San Francisco Giants free agents is rather substantial, so keeping everyone during the 2021-22 MLB offseason will be a challenge.
That could potentially create a long list of SF Giants offseason needs to address this winter.
SF Giants Offseason Needs
Unfortunately, the Giants can’t transfer any of their wins from 2021 to next season. In all likelihood, they will begin 2022 as an afterthought in the NL West compared to the Dodgers and perhaps even the Padres. No matter what the Giants do this winter, it’ll be hard to replicate the success they experienced in 2021.
That being said, let’s take a closer look at the Giants’ offseason needs for the offseason ahead and how they can best position themselves to be a contender in 2022.
Starting rotation
Outside of Logan Webb, the Giants will almost be starting over when it comes to putting together their starting rotation for 2022. Kevin Gausman, Anthony DeSclafani, and Alex Wood, who were all key pieces of the rotation and started games during the NLDS, will all be free agents this winter.
In addition to Webb, San Francisco have ome young arms who might be able to fill out the back end of the rotation. But they will be missing three huge pieces from the team’s 2021 rotation. Re-signing Gausman to a long-term deal should be one of San Francisco’s top offseason priorities.
He and Webb could potentially serve as a 1-2 punch at the top of the rotation for years to come. But the Giants will likely need to sign multiple starters in free agency this winter.
First base
Outside of Gausman, Brandon Belt will be San Francisco’s most important free agent this offseason. He was missed during the NLDS after putting together a great regular season.
Obviously, the team would like to have him back, although there are some risks with re-signing him. Belt is 34 and missed significant time due to injury this season. But if they don’t re-sign Belt, the Giants will still need another left-hand hitting first baseman. Darin Ruf and Wilmer Flores, who has a club option for 2022, are both options at first base.
However, both would work best in a platoon with a left-handed hitter, which is what the Giants need this offseason.
Corner outfielder
One thing the Giants might be missing in 2022 is a bonafide slugger. It’s best to find a corner outfielder who can fill the role, much like the team traded for Kris Bryant at the deadline.
Granted, the Giants have plenty of options in their outfield, including Mike Yastrzemski, Alex Dickerson, LaMonte Wade, Austin Slater, and Steven Duggar. But none of those players is a bonafide middle-of-the-lineup type hitter who can anchor a lineup.
The Giants need to find a hitter like that this winter if they hope to remain competitive in 2022.
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