To the surprise of many, Kevin Gausman had a career year in 2021.
The righty gave the San Francisco Giants’ rotation a massive boost this past season, and there’s no telling if the team would have won the NL West without him.
As a result, Gausman’s stock is an all-time high today, which is great timing for him, as he is now a free agent.
With the MLB offseason upon us, the 30-year-old has a big winter ahead of him as it pertains to where he will spend the 2022 season.
Let’s take a look at a few possible landing spots for the one-time All-Star.
3. Giants (Re-Sign)
San Francisco’s rotation was elite in 2021, and it was one of the biggest reasons the team had such a successful campaign.
Unfortunately, the Giants are bound to lose several key starting pitchers to free agency this offseason.
In order for the team to have a successful 2022 season, the rotation is going to have to be a point of emphasis this winter, and retaining Gausman would be a huge step in the right direction.
He isn’t going to come at a low price, but it seems like he’s worth the investment.
In 2021, he posted a 2.81 ERA, 3.00 FIP, and 5.3 bWAR over 33 outings.
Kevin Gausman finishes his night with his 10th K. pic.twitter.com/ffbHb7g1te
— MLB (@MLB) June 6, 2021
He earned his first career All-Star selection in the process.
2. Boston Red Sox
The Boston Red Sox exceeded expectations in 2021.
If they want to do the same thing in 2022, they’re going to have to make some changes this offseason.
The team’s rotation could use some help, as it lacks a true ace.
Sure, Nathan Eovaldi is a horse, and yes, Chris Sale is capable of pitching like a No. 1 option.
But Eovaldi is better suited as a No. 2, and Sale is still trying to find his post-Tommy John self.
For those reasons, the club would be wise to add an elite arm this winter.
Gausman certainly fits the description, as he was one of baseball’s best pitchers in 2021.
Plus, he knows what it’s like to pitch in the AL East, as he started his career with the Baltimore Orioles.
Familiarity is always a good thing.
We’ll see if Boston inserts itself into the sweepstakes.
1. Los Angeles Angels
Could Gausman stay on the West Coast with a new team?
It’s certainly a possibility, as the Los Angeles Angels will surely be in the market for starting pitching this offseason.
L.A. is still trying to build a contending team.
The organization has arguably the two most valuable players in the sport in Shohei Ohtani and Mike Trout, but they can’t do it alone.
The rotation is a major issue, as the staff registered a very poor ERA of 4.78 in 2021.
The #Angels have no excuse not to upgrade their starting rotation this offseason. There are so many good free agent starters available: Gausman, Gray, Kershaw, Ray, Rodón, Rodriguez, Scherzer, Stroman, Syndergaard, & Verlander.
— nmbaseball (@nmbaseball) November 8, 2021
The team does have some very solid rotation pieces in place, but it’s not enough yet.
That said, the addition of a talented arm like Gausman could take things to the next level.
We’ll see if the lefty really does end up going from the NL West to the AL West.
L.A. hasn’t made the postseason since 2014, and it’s time for that to change.
NEXT: 3 Free Agents Mariners Should Target This Offseason