The San Francisco Giants are looking to improve their roster and have the funds to do it.
They missed out on Aaron Judge, Brandon Nimmo and other targets, but did secure outfielder Mitch Haniger a few days ago and are bringing in a good starter to fortify the rotation.
No, it’s not Carlos Rodon, but it’s a much-needed arm: right-hander Ross Stripling.
They inked Stripling to a two-year, $25 million deal on Tuesday, and had also brought in Sean Manaea for a similar number.
Little by little, they are putting together a nice rotation without spending too much.
“Giants have a great budget rotation going for them: 1. Logan Webb Arb/3 years; 2. Alex Cobb 19M/2 years; 3. Ross Stripling 25M/2 years; 4. Alex Wood 12.5M/1 years; 5. Sean Manaea 25M/2 years,” @CardinalsReek tweeted.
Giants have a great budget rotation going for them
1. Logan Webb Arb/3 years
2. Alex Cobb 19M/2 years
3. Ross Stripling 25M/2 years
4. Alex Wood 12.5M/1 years
5. Sean Manaea 25M/2 years— Jacob (@CardinalsReek) December 13, 2022
He may not have the name recognition other free agents have, but Stripling was an absolute asset in 2022 for the Toronto Blue Jays.
Excellent Performance In 2022
In 32 games and 24 starts, he covered 134.1 innings with a terrific 3.01 ERA and a similarly great 3.11 Fielding Independent Pitching (FIP).
He has the ability to fill several roles on a pitching staff: he can start, he can be a long or bulk reliever, or a more traditional bullpen arm.
Evidently, the Giants are signing him to take the ball every five days, and he is more than well equipped to succeed as his 3.1 Wins Above Replacement (WAR) suggests.
Manaea is more of a back-end type, but has some very good campaigns in MLB and can eat innings, while Wood is injury-prone, but effective when healthy.
Webb is the unquestioned ace, and Cobb is a good pitcher, too.
The burning question is: do these signings take the Giants out of the running for Rodon?
NEXT: The Giants Add Another Talented Veteran Pitcher