Rumors: SF Giants 'pursued' Tigers RHP Michael Lorenzen in free agency

SF Giants manager Gabe Kapler told the team's broadcasters that the team attempted was "really interested" in Michael Lorenzen during free agency.

The SF Giants lit up Detroit Tigers starting pitcher Michael Lorenzen in his first appearance of the 2023 season, scoring six runs against the righty in their 7-6 loss on Saturday. However, Lorenzen who has previously played for the Cincinnati Reds and Los Angeles Angels over his eight-year MLB career, nearly was on the Giants roster this season, at least according to manager Gabe Kapler. During the game's broadcast, announcer Dave Flemming revealed that Kapler told him and fellow broadcaster Javier Lopez that the Giants had pursued Lorenzen during the offseason.

Detroit Tigers pitcher Michael Lorenzen throws a pitch against the SF Giants. (2023) / Rick Osentoski-USA TODAY Sports

"You and I were talking to Gabe Kapler before the game," Flemming said during the first inning of Saturday's broadcast on NBC Sports Bay Area. "He said the Giants, 'we were really interested in Michael Lorenzen. We pursued him, tried to get him to sign with the Giants.' So he's a guy they really liked."

Lorenzen was a two-way star at Cal State Fullerton before he was drafted in the supplemental first round by the Reds in 2013. Developed as a pitcher, Lorenzen was unable to establish himself as a mainstay in Cincinnati's rotation but emerged as an excellent setup arm. From 2016-2021, Lorenzen recorded a 3.60 ERA in 268 appearances with 323 strikeouts in 360 innings pitched.

Looking to return to the rotation, Lorenzen signed a one-year deal with the Angels for 2022 and made 18 starts with Los Angeles. He posted a solid 4.24 ERA in 97.2 innings of work before he was sidelined by injury.

Back on the open market this offseason, Lorenzen ultimately inked a one-year, $8.5 million deal with the Tigers. However, given his experience in the bullpen and as a starter, it's easy to see the Giants front office viewing him as an alternative to Ross Stripling, who has a similar swingman track record. Stripling ultimately signed a two-year, $25 million contract with the Giants that includes a player option after the 2023 season.

The SF Giants have continuously taken a broad approach to their starting rotation under president of baseball operations Farhan Zaidi. Zaidi has often bet on the team's ability to help mid-tier pitchers take a step forward on short-term deals. With former Giants general manager Scott Harris now leading the Detroit Tigers baseball operations, it's no surprise to see both teams had their eye on Michael Lorenzen during the winter.