So far during the MLB offseason, not many of the SF Giants' 2024 free agent targets have decided to come to the Bay Area. With Yoshinobu Yamamoto signing with Los Angeles and Shohei Ohtani also moving to the Dodgers, the offseason was on the verge of disaster from San Francisco's standpoint. Not only did the Giants miss some of their top targets, but the rival Dodgers also signed those players.
How can the Giants salvage their offseason?
In fairness, the Giants signed outfielder Jung Ho Lee and catcher Tom Murphy. They also acquired Robbie Ray via trade, getting rid of Mitch Haniger and Anthony DeSclafani in the process.
There are also a lot of other rumors surrounding the SF Giants, suggesting that the Giants are still working on making some moves this winter. Let's take a look at some of the SF Giants' remaining free agent targets in 2024 and what San Francisco can do to salvage what has been a disappointment.
Recorded by Shota Imanaga
The Giants may have passed on Yamamoto, but it's not too late to grab Shota Imanaga. Of course, Imanaga is not expected to be as accomplished a player as Yamamoto. But he also wouldn't be expensive to sign while continuing to improve San Francisco's rotation.
Imanaga is expected to be a starter in the major leagues, making him a good complement to Logan Webb, Alex Cobb and Ross Stripling. He will also be a second lefty in the rotation alongside youngster Kyle Harrison. If the Giants are able to make a competitive offer for Imanaga, there is plenty of reason to believe he will find San Francisco to be the best available landing spot.
Trade for Corbin Burns
There is still every indication that the Brewers will try to trade Corbin Burns before the season. The number of potential trade partners appears to be declining, improving San Francisco's chances of landing the former Cy Young winner. It goes without saying that there will still be a high price to pay, although the Giants have a strong enough farm system and some current MLB players to give Milwaukee a tempting offer.
Burns would immediately give the Giants the ace they crave. Even with an already strong rotation, San Francisco knows starting pitching will be key to the team's success in 2024. Trading for Burns would change the look of their rotation and perhaps give the Giants a chance to sign him when he hits free agency.
Take a chance by Tim Anderson
It's understandable that the Giants are excited about Marco Luciano, but it's not a sure thing at the moment. It may be best to give the 22-year-old more seasoning in the minors, which creates a need for a shortstop.
Why not take a chance on a player like Tim Anderson?
He's certainly better than he showed last season, and would be willing to take a one-year deal at a reasonable price to prove himself. Such a move would give the Giants a motivated and proven shortstop in 2024 while giving Luciano another year to develop.
Marcus Stroman signed
If the best free-agent shooters on the market are outside San Francisco's price range, Marcus Stroman could be the ideal backup option. He won't need as much money or years as some other pitchers but will still be a useful rotation asset in 2024.
Stroman has been durable and efficient over the past several years, always throwing the ball like he has something to prove. This is the type of pitcher the Giants could use in their rotation next season.
Cody Bellinger signed
Although it may seem like a pipe dream, signing Cody Bellinger would certainly save the Giants' offseason. What better way to compete with the Dodgers than to sign one of the outcasts from Los Angeles? Obviously, Bellinger would need a long-term deal and hundreds of millions of dollars to sign.
But he's also a former MVP and is only 28 years old and can play in multiple positions. The Giants could certainly move some pieces to make room for Bellinger either in the outfield or at first base, and perhaps create some trade chips in the process. More importantly, Bellinger would give the Giants the type of hitting power they've been lacking in recent seasons, finally giving them someone who can anchor their lineup.
