This story was excerpted from Maria Guardado’s Giants Beat newsletter. To read the full newsletter, click here. And subscribe to get it regularly in your inbox.
Last winter, the Giants were among the most aggressive teams in free agency, trailing only the National League champion Dodgers in offseason expenditures. This year, their roster has fewer gaps to fill, yet they are expected to maintain their proactive approach in enhancing the team under the leadership of new president of baseball operations, Buster Posey.
Here’s a glimpse of eight players who might catch the Giants’ interest in the upcoming weeks:
1. OF Juan Soto (age: 25)
2024 regular-season stats: .288/.419/.569, 41 HR, 109 RBIs, 7 SB, 157 G
In recent years, the Giants have struggled to secure a superstar in free agency, missing opportunities with Bryce Harper, Aaron Judge, and Shohei Ohtani. With Posey at the helm, will they finally break this trend? Soto represents an early test of that possibility. As a four-time All-Star, his exceptional talent and age will make him a hot commodity, prompting San Francisco to compete against other deep-pocketed teams like the Yankees and Mets if they want to bring him to the Bay Area.
2. SS Willy Adames (age: 29)
2024 regular-season stats: .251/.331/.462, 32 HR, 112 RBIs, 21 SB, 161 G
Adames stands out as the top shortstop available in the market, making him a great fit for the Giants, who are looking to bolster their middle infield. With considerable right-handed power and a solid track record of durability, he is an appealing option, even though his defensive performance has dipped; his Outs Above Average dropped from +16 in 2023 to +1 this year.
3. SS Ha-Seong Kim (age: 29)
2024 regular-season stats: .233/.330/.370, 11 HR, 47 RBIs, 22 SB, 121 G
A recipient of the 2023 NL Gold Glove award, Kim could find San Francisco appealing due to existing connections with Jung Hoo Lee, his former teammate in the KBO, and Bob Melvin, his ex-manager in San Diego. However, his future seems less certain after undergoing surgery to repair a labrum tear in his right shoulder. This procedure is anticipated to keep Kim sidelined until mid-April or May, but if he recovers well,
he could be an elite defender and a valuable offensive contributor for any lineup.
4. RHP Corbin Burnes (age: 30)
2024 regular-season stats: 2.92 ERA, 194 1/3 IP, 181 K, 48 BB, 32 GS
The Giants’ pitching rotation is poised to be quite talented with the anticipated return of Logan Webb, Robbie Ray, Kyle Harrison, Jordan Hicks, and Hayden Birdsong next season. However, they might seek another top-tier starter if Blake Snell decides to opt out and pursue opportunities elsewhere. This is where Burnes comes in, the 2021 National League Cy Young winner and four-time All-Star, who is set to be one of the most sought-after free-agent pitchers this offseason. While the Orioles may strive to keep their ace, Burnes—a native of Bakersfield, California, and a St. Mary’s graduate—might prefer a return to the West Coast.
5. LHP Blake Snell (age: 31)
2024 regular-season stats: 3.12 ERA, 104 IP, 145 K, 44 BB, 20 GS
6. LHP Max Fried (age: 30)
2024 regular-season stats: 3.25 ERA, 174 1/3 IP, 166 K, 57 BB, 29 GS
Fried will join Burnes and Snell as some of the premier pitchers available in free agency this winter. The seasoned southpaw from the Braves formed a friendship with Webb during the 2024 All-Star Game in Texas, potentially giving the Giants an advantage in their recruitment efforts.
7. 1B Christian Walker (age: 33)
2024 regular-season stats: .251/.335/.468, 26 HR, 84 RBIs, 2 SB, 130 G
While Pete Alonso stands out as the top first baseman set to enter free agency, it appears that San Francisco will likely avoid pursuing him to ensure that they do not block their No. 1 prospect, Bryce Eldridge (ranked No. 35 overall), who concluded the season at Triple-A Sacramento. Nevertheless, the Giants would benefit from a power-hitting first baseman who can manage the position until Eldridge is ready to step up, making a veteran like Walker an attractive option.
8. 1B Paul Goldschmidt (age: 37)
2024 regular-season stats: .245/.302/.414, 22 HR, 65 RBIs, 11 SB, 154 G
Similar to Walker, Goldschmidt presents a viable option for dividing time between first base and designated hitter alongside Eldridge in 2025. Historically a thorn in the Giants’ side, Goldschmidt boasts an OPS of 1.015 in 84 career games at Oracle Park and also played with Posey on Team USA during the 2017 World Baseball Classic.
Eight Players the Giants Could Target as They Look to Strengthen Their Roster
The New York Giants are always in pursuit of talent to strengthen their roster, and as they prepare for the upcoming season, several key players are on the radar. In this article, we explore eight potential targets that could enhance the Giants’ competitive edge in the NFL.
1. Quarterback: Derek Carr
As the Giants assess their options at quarterback, Derek Carr stands out as a strong candidate. With his proven ability to lead an offense and make accurate throws, Carr could be the missing piece the Giants need.
- Experience: Over 30,000 passing yards and multiple Pro Bowl selections.
- Leadership: Known for his strong locker room presence.
2. Wide Receiver: DeAndre Hopkins
DeAndre Hopkins is another name that has been tossed around in trade talks. His elite skill set and ability to make contested catches would be a tremendous asset for the Giants’ receiving corps.
- Skills: Exceptional route running and hands.
- Experience: Five-time Pro Bowler with over 800 receptions.
3. Offensive Tackle: Taylor Lewan
With the Giants looking to bolster their offensive line, Taylor Lewan could provide both experience and skill. His presence could solidify the tackle position and improve the overall protection for the quarterback.
- Durability: Has played in 100+ games in his career.
- Versatility: Can play both left and right tackle.
4. Defensive End: Jadeveon Clowney
As the Giants aim to improve their defensive front, Jadeveon Clowney is a name that could elevate their pass rush. His athleticism and ability to disrupt plays would be invaluable.
- Impact: Known for his ability to pressure quarterbacks.
- Experience: Former No. 1 overall pick with multiple Pro Bowl selections.
5. Linebacker: Bobby Wagner
Bobby Wagner remains one of the top linebackers in the league. His experience and leadership could anchor the Giants’ defense as they look to compete in a tough division.
- Achievements: Eight-time Pro Bowler.
- Skillset: Excellent in run defense and coverage.
6. Defensive Back: J.C. Jackson
Adding J.C. Jackson to the Giants’ secondary could drastically improve their pass defense. Known for his ability to create turnovers, Jackson would be a game-changer.
- Turnover Machine: Recorded over 20 interceptions in his career.
- Versatility: Can play both cornerback and safety positions.
7. Running Back: Josh Jacobs
With questions surrounding their running game, the Giants could benefit from acquiring Josh Jacobs. His explosive running style and ability to catch passes out of the backfield would add depth to their offense.
- Rushing Ability: Led the league in rushing yards in 2020.
- Pass-Catching: Capable of being a three-down back.
8. Tight End: Dalton Schultz
Dalton Schultz is an intriguing option for the Giants at tight end. His proficiency in both blocking and receiving makes him a well-rounded target for the offense.
- Receiving Skills: Reliable hands with over 60 receptions last season.
- Blocking Ability: Solid run blocker, contributing to the ground game.
Benefits of Targeting These Key Players
Acquiring any of these eight players would not only fill critical gaps in the Giants’ roster but also provide immediate impact:
- Enhanced Offense: Players like Hopkins and Carr would significantly boost scoring potential.
- Strong Defense: Adding veterans like Wagner and Clowney would solidify the defensive unit.
- Leadership: Experienced players would mentor younger talents and foster a winning culture.
Practical Tips for Giants’ Management
As the Giants consider these potential targets, here are some practical tips for management:
- Conduct Scouting: Thoroughly evaluate player performance and fit within the team culture.
- Financial Flexibility: Ensure cap space is available to make competitive offers.
- Build Relationships: Engage in discussions with player agents to gauge interest.
Case Study: Recent Player Acquisitions
To get a better understanding of the potential success these players can bring, let’s look at a recent case study of an NFL team that made strategic acquisitions:
| Team | Players Acquired | Impact |
|---|---|---|
| Los Angeles Rams | Matthew Stafford, Odell Beckham Jr. | Won Super Bowl LVI, potent offense. |
| Tampa Bay Buccaneers | Tom Brady, Rob Gronkowski | Won Super Bowl LV, revitalized offense. |
First-Hand Experience: Players’ Impact on Team Chemistry
Veteran players not only bring skill but also enhance team chemistry, which is vital for overall performance. Teams that have successfully integrated star players often showcase improved morale and a more collaborative environment.
Conclusion
As the Giants aim to enhance their roster, targeting players like Carr, Hopkins, and Wagner could reshape their future. Each potential acquisition presents unique benefits that could pave the way for success in the highly competitive NFL landscape.
