5 veteran SF Giants players who are slated to hit free agency at the end of the year
As usual, the Giants have multiple players with contract options to consider. In this piece, we’ll focus on those whose contracts expire at the end of the season, with one exception: Blake Snell.
It’s possible that none of their upcoming free agents will return, but we’ll cover that scenario in a later article. For now, let’s take a look at the players who are set to hit free agency as the offseason approaches.
1. Blake Snell
Blake Snell is technically under contract through the 2025 season, having signed a two-year, $62 million deal. However, it includes an opt-out after the first year, and while it’s difficult to predict anything with certainty in baseball, it’s almost certain he’ll exercise that opt-out to re-enter free agency.
Last offseason was unusual for the two-time Cy Young winner, as he didn’t receive the high-value contract he anticipated. But after another solid season and without a qualifying offer hanging over him, Snell should be in line for a significant payday.
Only a few teams can afford him, with the Giants expected to be among the contenders. Snell started the season slowly, partly due to injuries and the late signing, which disrupted his usual spring training routine. Despite this, he finished with strong numbers, posting a 3.12 ERA, 2.43 FIP, 1.04 WHIP, 12.5 K/9, and a 3.30 SO/W ratio in 20 starts with San Francisco.
From July onward, Snell was one of the best pitchers in baseball, recording a 1.23 ERA, 114 strikeouts, and 30 walks in 80.1 innings over 14 starts, allowing fewer earned runs (11) than starts made (14).
Though he issues a few too many walks, which might concern teams as he ages, his significant upside makes that a minor concern.
2. Michael Conforto
Michael Conforto’s two-year, $36 million deal with San Francisco was neither a huge success nor a failure. He represents much of the Giants’ roster in being a solid hitter, though not the game-changing bat the team had hoped for.
The Giants’ front office understood the risk in signing him, given that the veteran outfielder missed the entire 2022 season due to shoulder surgery. Early on, it was clear he was still shaking off the rust from the layoff.
Despite that, Conforto’s left-handed bat continues to produce quality contact, with above-average bat speed, and he performs well outside of Oracle Park. Those strengths should make him appealing in free agency, even if the Giants likely won’t pursue him.
In 2024, Conforto put up a .237/.310/.452 slash line (112 wRC+) with 20 home runs, 66 RBI, and 56 runs over 484 plate appearances. His walk rate dropped to 8.7 percent, his strikeout rate was 24.4 percent, and his ISO stood at .214.
For the first time in his career, Conforto’s walk rate dipped below 10 percent, partly explaining why his on-base percentage is lower than his career .348 mark.
On the road, Conforto excelled, posting an .852 OPS and hitting 17 of his 20 home runs. His agent, Scott Boras, will likely emphasize this data when pitching him to potential suitors in free agency.
3. Mark Canha
I like Mark Canha as a player. He’s a solid hitter who consistently brings quality at-bats. However, his power, which was more evident earlier in his career, seems to have diminished in his age-35 season.
I’m still puzzled by the Giants’ decision to trade for Canha. It’s not a criticism of the veteran, but rather their overall strategy at the trade deadline that seemed unclear.
Canha performed well enough in a Giants uniform, posting a .288/.376/.329 slash line (107 wRC+) with no home runs, four RBIs, and four runs over 85 plate appearances after the trade from the Tigers. He continues to grind out at-bats and gets on base at a decent rate, which will attract some teams in free agency, even though his power appears to have declined.
Defensively, Canha has been playing more at first base, but he remains capable of filling in at the corner outfield spots. With the option to DH as well, he has enough versatility to keep finding playing time.
Considering Canha’s local connections and his ties to Bob Melvin and Farhan Zaidi, a reunion with the Giants on a low-guarantee major league deal can’t be ruled out. However, with the Giants needing a significant roster overhaul, it wouldn’t be surprising if they opted for a player with a higher ceiling in that spot.
4. Curt Casali
Earlier this season, when the Giants found themselves short on catchers, they brought Curt Casali back into the fold. While he’s not a significant threat offensively, and defensive metrics rate him as a below-average catcher, pitchers enjoy working with him, which remains valuable.
As an 11-year veteran, Casali might continue playing in 2025, possibly rejoining the Giants on a minor league deal as depth. However, he could also decide to retire. I wouldn’t be surprised if a coaching role awaits him in the future.
5. Donovan Walton
Earlier this month, the Giants brought Donovan Walton back onto the roster, a move that didn’t seem to make much sense and may have reduced playing opportunities for some of the younger infielders. However, that’s not Walton’s fault; it’s more a critique of the coaching staff and front office. In his limited appearances, Walton managed only two hits, one of which was a home run, in 20 at-bats.
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