After a disappointing 2024 season where the San Francisco Giants finished fourth in the NL West, the team is reportedly planning a different financial strategy for the upcoming year. Under new president of baseball operations Buster Posey, the Giants are expected to adopt a more cautious approach with their spending, according to a report by Andrew Baggarly of *The Athletic*, citing a league source familiar with the team’s plans.
The Giants’ adjusted payroll, which reflects salaries earned but not necessarily paid out, is anticipated to decrease from the $206 million spent in 2024, when they finished with a .500 record and exceeded the luxury tax threshold for the first time since 2018. Baggarly mentions that even with a slight reduction in spending, the team would still have around $30-$40 million to allocate beyond the players already under contract.
In addition to arbitration-eligible players like Camilo Doval, Mike Yastrzemski, LaMonte Wade Jr., and Tyler Rogers, the Giants have eight players already signed for 2025, including Robbie Ray, Jung Hoo Lee, Logan Webb, Jordan Hicks, Taylor Rogers, Wilmer Flores, Tom Murphy, and Matt Chapman, who recently signed a $151 million deal.
If the reported budget cuts are accurate, it would likely rule out high-profile targets like Juan Soto and free-agent pitcher Blake Snell, who recently opted out of his contract with the Giants.
Posey declined to comment on the team’s payroll plans, but chairman Greg Johnson stated that the Giants do not set a fixed budget, instead working within a flexible range, with final spending determined by trades and free-agent acquisitions. He emphasized the goal of fielding a competitive team, while balancing both short-term and long-term decisions.
Despite the reduced payroll, the Giants’ strategy for 2025 doesn’t necessarily mean a lack of significant moves. However, whether these moves will be enough to return the team to playoff contention is still uncertain.
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