The Giants have some decisions to make this offseason.
The NL West champs have a whopping 12 players who were significant contributors to the major league roster hitting free agency this winter, including nearly their entire rotation.
Aside from aging homegrown stars Buster Posey ($22 million club option) and Brandon Belt, the team’s biggest free agents are Kris Bryant and Kevin Gausman. Bryant was acquired via mid-season trade after it was clear the Cubs were not interested in retaining his services. Gausman was acquired as a flier in 2020 and pitched so well that he was extended a one-year, $18.9 million qualifying offer last offseason. Gausman’s performance more than reflected that number in 2021, the right-hander being one of the best pitchers in the NL for most of the season.
Farhan Zaidi and Gabe Kapler made it seem like they were interested in bringing back as many of their contributors from 2021 as possible next season, but it’s hard to know what the open market will bring.
Veteran MLB analyst Tim Kurkjian said on KNBR Tuesday that the Giants should break the bank for both players, but mentioned that one team in particular will be a strong suitor for Bryant.
“Look, the Mets need a third baseman badly,” Kurkjian said. “Kris Bryant would fit in perfectly there. He would given how versatile he is. Kevin Gausman was a Cy Young contender for most of the season and had a terrific year no matter how you look at it. I’m not sure they could justify not bringing him back, but all sorts of teams are going to be interested in him because when he throws that split properly, no one can hit that pitch.
“Those would be two big losses for this team, and they have some money they could spend to maybe fill in. I would do everything I could to keep both of those guys, but it’s not my money it’s the Giants’ money.”