While the Los Angeles Dodgers and the Colorado Rockies spent the last few hours splurging on big signings, the San Francisco Giants made another savvy, low-cost move to add to their pitching staff.
The Dodgers signed Freddie Freeman to a deal worth more than $160 million, while the Rockies inked Kris Bryant on a seven-year, $182 million pact.
San Francisco, on the other hand, made several acquisitions throughout the offseason directed to improve the short-term staff without the risk of an extremely long commitment.
That’s why they left ace Kevin Gausman walk before the lockout.
Instead, they have been making a number of solid signings without spending so many dollars on just one name.
“Matthew Boyd is the 5th starting pitcher signed or re-signed by the Giants this off-season, following DeSclafani, Wood, Cobb and Rodon. They suddenly look deep in the rotation,” MLB insider Jon Heyman reported on Wednesday.
Matthew Boyd is the 5th starting pitcher signed or re-signed by the Giants this off-season, following DeSclafani, Wood, Cobb and Rodon. They suddenly look deep in the rotation. https://t.co/4TwF3qHg5X
— Jon Heyman (@JonHeyman) March 17, 2022
The Giants Know Where And How To Spend
Boyd is a low-risk, high-upside target for the Giants, just like Carlos Martinez.
He posted a 3.89 ERA last season with the Detroit Tigers, but injuries limited him to 78.2 innings.
In addition, his strikeout percentage dropped all the way to 19.9 percent last year, after a career-high 30.2 percent in 2019 and a 22.1 mark in 2020.
The Giants, however, are known for getting the best out of their personnel thanks to a fantastic scouting and player development staff.
They could work wonders with Boyd’s excellent slider, and could theoretically help him return to 3.0-WAR (Wins Above Replacement) territory.
The Rodon signing carries a significant amount of risk, at $44 million, but it’s just over two years.
DeSclafani, Wood, and Cobb all had terrific seasons in 2021, the first two with the Giants.
In the end, San Francisco did an excellent job securing rotation depth and talent.
The Dodgers’ lineup is scary, sure, but the Giants have enough quality arms to compete with them.
NEXT: MLB Insider Reveals Where Carlos Rodon Will Play In 2022