The San Francisco Giants completed a mostly quiet offseason following a major trade last June, securing Rafael Devers for a full season to reinforce their lineup with formidable home run power. They also added Harrison Bader to enhance their outfield defense. Despite these moves, the Giants will likely regret passing on signing Framber Valdez during this winter’s MLB free agency period.
Instead of pursuing Valdez, the Giants opted for two pitchers, acquiring Adrian Houser on a two-year deal with a club option and Tyler Mahle for one year. While these signings provide solid depth and represent contracts that will age gracefully, neither Houser nor Mahle offers the high-level talent and consistent production that Valdez is known for.
Valdez’s market journey and impact on the Giants’ rotation
After starting pitcher Dylan Cease committed to the Toronto Blue Jays in early December, Framber Valdez became the top available pitcher on the free-agent market. His departure from the Houston Astros, reportedly linked to a late-season incident where he intentionally deceived his catcher, likely influenced interest from teams, though the full effect remains unclear. Valdez went unsigned for nearly two months after Cease’s deal before agreeing to terms with the Detroit Tigers.
The Tigers secured Valdez with a three-year, $115 million contract, positioning him alongside fellow lefty ace as a formidable front-line duo capable of elevating Detroit’s standing in the AL Central. This acquisition leaves the Giants without a premier second starter to support Logan Webb at the top of their rotation. Historically, San Francisco’s most successful teams have featured two strong starters leading their pitching staff, highlighting the importance of missed opportunity in not signing Valdez.
Potential pitching improvements still within reach for the Giants
Despite the proximity of spring training’s start, the Giants remain capable of adding a difference-making arm through free agency. Their division competitors, the Arizona Diamondbacks, have yet to re-sign key free agents, including Zac Gallen, who spent seven seasons with Arizona. Although Gallen had a subpar final season before free agency, his familiarity with divisional opponents and past success against them make him an attractive target for San Francisco.
The Giants could pursue Gallen on a short-term deal that’s likely to cost slightly more than their earlier signings but could solidify their rotation behind Webb. Gallen also has motivation to prove his value in order to earn a longer-term contract, making this a mutually beneficial opportunity.
San Francisco’s experience with Blake Snell last year provides a relevant precedent; Snell joined the team on a similar short-term agreement, made 20 starts with a 3.12 ERA, and then departed for a lucrative five-year contract with the Los Angeles Dodgers and a World Series title. This scenario underscores what Gallen might achieve by betting on a brief stint with the Giants.
Offensive strength contrasted with pitching challenges
The Giants have boosted their offense considerably in recent seasons. Matt Chapman, Willy Adames, and Rafael Devers form a powerful middle order anticipated to compete vigorously for a Wild Card slot. Luis Arraez, while raising some concerns about infield defense, remains one of the game’s most effective leadoff hitters. Offensively, the lineup is well-positioned, but pitching remains a critical question mark.
Since achieving a 107-win season in 2021 and a playoff appearance ending in the NLDS loss to the Dodgers, the Giants have hovered six games below .500 across four seasons. With pitching depth limited, especially after missing out on Valdez, their ability to overcome recent mediocrity and secure a postseason berth is uncertain, placing added pressure on upcoming roster moves and performance.
