The Giants clinched the NL West title in 2021, but they haven’t returned to the postseason since then.
In 2021, the San Francisco Giants stunned the baseball world by winning 107 games and claiming the NL West title from the Los Angeles Dodgers. However, their success was short-lived, as they were eliminated in the NLDS and have since struggled, finishing at or below .500 in each of the following three seasons.
While the Giants have missed the postseason for the past three years, their division rivals—the Dodgers, Padres, and Diamondbacks—have all made the playoffs during that time. If San Francisco doesn’t turn things around soon, they risk becoming irrelevant in the NL West.
As the offseason approaches, there are several key free agents the Giants could target to bolster their chances of returning to the playoffs in 2025.
3. 2B Gleyber Torres
The Giants are in need of a second baseman, and strengthening their middle infield will be a top priority this offseason, and for good reason.
Last season, Thairo Estrada played 94 games at second base for the Giants, posting a .217/.247/.343 slash line with minimal power and only 10 walks throughout the year. He struggled at the plate and rarely drew walks, leaving room for improvement in the Giants’ infield. One potential upgrade could be Yankees second baseman, Gleyber Torres.
The Yankees may not prioritize re-signing Torres. If they do, they could likely offer him more money. However, if New York decides to go in a different direction, Torres could benefit from a fresh start with the Giants.
Last season, Torres hit .257/.330/.378 with 15 home runs and posted an OPS+ over 100, remaining above league average in all but one season (2021). He has previously hit over 35 home runs in a season, and with a change of scenery, he could potentially return to the 25-30 home run range.
Torres could be an ideal offseason target for the Giants.
2. OF/1B Cody Bellinger
The Giants have several key needs to address in their lineup. They must add outfielders, especially with a number of players set to become free agents, and they need a reliable power bat—ideally someone who can play every day.
A perfect candidate for this is expected to enter free agency soon: Cubs first baseman/outfielder Cody Bellinger. Assuming he declines his player option, as anticipated, Bellinger will be available on the open market.
After re-signing with the Cubs last offseason despite free agency rumors, Bellinger secured a contract that includes a 2025 player option, which many expect him to decline. In 2023, Bellinger hit .307/.356/.525, following a 2022 season where he slashed .266/.325/.426 with 44 extra-base hits. He is likely seeking a longer, more stable contract this time around.
For the Giants, Bellinger could be the perfect fit. They have the financial flexibility to offer a four- or five-year deal, and his addition could make their lineup a serious threat in 2025.
1. LHP Blake Snell
The top priority for the Giants this offseason will be figuring out how to re-sign their ace, Blake Snell, for next season. The challenge lies in the fact that Snell is expected to attract a lot of attention in the market, with a high chance he’ll secure the big contract he was seeking last offseason.
Snell holds a $30 million player option with the Giants, but he’s expected to opt out. If he does, the Giants will need to offer him significantly more, both in salary and contract length, to keep him in San Francisco.
To compete in the NL West, the Giants need an ace, and that’s exactly what Snell provides.
From July 9 until the end of the season, Snell made 14 starts, pitching 80.1 innings, allowing just 33 hits, 30 walks, and 11 earned runs, while striking out 114 batters. He held opponents scoreless in half of those starts and never gave up more than three earned runs in any start since April 22.
Whatever it takes, the Giants should make the investment. Keeping Snell is crucial for their chances of contending for a division title in the near future.
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