It sounds like the San Francisco Giants are getting really aggressive before Thanksgiving. Their very needy starting rotation could get a couple arms before the turkey is served.
From Jeff Passan, who shortly thereafter broke word of Anthony DeSclafani returning:
The San Francisco Giants have been incredibly aggressive in looking to fill out their rotation, which currently consists of only Logan Webb. The expectation is that they will sign multiple starting pitchers in the coming days. After last year, players want to go to San Francisco.
— Jeff Passan (@JeffPassan) November 22, 2021
Right-hander Anthony DeSclafani and the San Francisco Giants are in agreement on a three-year, $36 million contract, sources familiar with the deal tell ESPN. DeSclafani, 31, returns to the place he thrived last season, and the Giants' rotation rebuild is off to a good start.
— Jeff Passan (@JeffPassan) November 22, 2021
DeSclafani, 31, was finally healthy last year, and although his results were probably at least somewhat the product of luck/his home ballpark, he was also rather good for the Giants. I’m not sure another suitor would’ve been quite at the same level, so that reunion makes a lot of sense. A $12 million AAV for that tier of the market is pretty reasonable overall, and it’ll be interesting to see how his deal is viewed by peer agents/free agents. DeSclafani had a 3.17 ERA and 3.62 FIP over 31 starts (167.2 IP).
The Cubs figure to be heavy on this type of pitcher, so it’s a data point (though not necessarily a loss, since, again, a reunion with the Giants always seemed far more likely than, for example, a pursuit by the Cubs).
As for who else the Giants might sign, depends on who you ask:
Sounds as if the Giants are making a strong push for Alex Cobb. One source telling me he thinks it looks like a match.
— Susan Slusser (@susanslusser) November 22, 2021
Free-agent pitcher Alex Wood is close to a deal with the San Francisco Giants, according to sources familiar with the situation.
— Robert Murray (@ByRobertMurray) November 22, 2021
Hey, maybe it’ll be both guys. Again, the Giants have plenty of need. Stay tuned. I gotta sprint out the door to take a kid to dance.
UPDATE (Michael): Looks like the Giants are indeed adding Alex Wood on a two-year contract. Once again, this is the tier of pitchers in which the Cubs are expected to engage this offseason, so that’s potentially two good ones off the books.
Left-hander Alex Wood and the San Francisco Giants are finalizing a two-year contract worth north of $10 million a season, sources familiar with the agreement tell ESPN. First on the scene with the talks was @ByRobertMurray.
— Jeff Passan (@JeffPassan) November 22, 2021