Entering Offseason, Rotation Help is Glaring Need for San Francisco Giants

With the opt out of Blake Snell, the San Francisco Giants need to go 'big game hunting' for their rotation

Sep 22, 2024; Kansas City, Missouri, USA; San Francisco Giants starting pitcher Blake Snell (7) pitches during the first inning against the Kansas City Royals at Kauffman Stadium. Mandatory Credit: Jay Biggerstaff-Imagn Images / Jay Biggerstaff-Imagn Images

The San Francisco Giants find themselves in a bind with the recent news that Blake Snell has opted out of his contract, leaving a glaring hole in their starting rotation. Snell’s departure highlights the Giants’ pressing need to secure a postseason-caliber starting pitcher to remain competitive in the NL West. With few internal options ready to step up behind veterans Logan Webb and Robbie Ray to round out the rotation, finding a quality starter in free agency is now a top priority for the team this offseason.

The Giants’ pitching situation was already in flux before Snell’s opt-out. Although he was inconsistent at times, Snell brought elite strikeout potential and the ability to deliver dominant starts when he was on his game. His absence now leaves the Giants without a clear number-one starter and places a significant burden on the remaining arms in their rotation. Webb has shown promise and durability, but the Giants will need a reliable veteran presence to take pressure off Webb and provide a stable anchor in the rotation.

Veteran Ray could potentially be a reliable number two starter next season, although he'll be returning from Tommy John surgery. A former Cy Young winner while with the Toronto Blue Jays in 2021, Ray has pitched just 34 innings in the last two seasons after blowing out his elbow and being traded from the Seattle Mariners to San Francisco. Even if he's ready to resume his illustrious career, his workload will be a question after missing most of the previous two seasons.

In free agency, the Giants should consider a proven arm capable of handling pressure and providing quality innings. Some intriguing options could include established veterans like Corbin Burnes or Max Fried. Both come with different strengths: Burnes offers durability and a track record of reliability, while Fried brings experience and versatility. Either would add a stabilizing presence to a rotation that sorely needs it and could mentor younger pitchers in the organization.

The Giants must also balance short-term and long-term priorities in this decision. Committing to a starter with a multi-year contract makes sense if the team wants to remain competitive in the near future, especially with the uncertainty surrounding other teams in the division. With hopefully defense and a solid bullpen, San Francisco needs a frontline starter who can go deep into games and reduce strain on the bullpen, which saw a heavy workload last season.

Snell’s departure underscores how essential it is for the Giants to invest in starting pitching, especially given the Giants’ track record of pitching excellence. Without a quality addition, the team risks falling behind in a highly competitive division. Signing a starting pitcher who can deliver steady innings and has experience pitching in high-pressure situations should be the Giants’ top priority this offseason, as it could be the key to keeping them in contention in 2024 and beyond.