2 former SF Giants players reach free agency on the heels of strong seasons

A pair of former SF Giants players reached free agency over the weekend. Both Sean Manaea and Joc Pederson had option decisions for 2025 but neither one exercised their respective option in favor of free agency.

2 former SF Giants players reach free agency on the heels of strong seasons

Pederson joined the Arizona Diamondbacks for the 2024 season on a one-year, $9.5 million deal with a mutual option for 2025. That option was worth $14 million with a $3 million buyout, so the veteran hitter was guaranteed $12.5 million from that deal.

It should be noted that mutual options are rarely ever exercised by both parties. The Diamondbacks would have been satisifed if Pederson did exercise the option given that he is coming off of a strong year.

In his lone season with the Diamondbacks, he slashed .275/.393/.515 (151 wRC+) with 23 home runs, 64 RBI, and 62 runs in 449 plate appearances. This includes a 12.2 percent walk rate, 23.4 percent strikeout rate, and .240 ISO.

That type of production should finally land him the type of multi-year deal that he has been seeking. For the past few seasons, Pederson has worked under one-year deals. That should change even if the market tends to be tough for DH-only types. Perhaps, the Giants could be interested in a reunion if they do not land a power-hitting corner outfielder.

On the other hand, Sean Manaea signed a two-year, $28 million deal with the New York Mets before the 2024 season. This included an opt-out that he exercised over the weekend, thereby making him a free agent. The Mets can still issue him a qualifying offer that he will likely reject.

After a couple of down years, the left-handed hurler had a solid season with the Mets. In 32 starts, he tallied a 3.47 ERA, 3.83 FIP, 1.08 WHIP, 9.1 K/9, and a 2.92 SO/W rate. Plus, he put together a nice postseason running before allowing five earned runs in just two innings against the Los Angeles Dodgers in his final playoff start of the year.

Nevertheless, the veteran pitcher is poised to land a lucrative payday in free agency. The Giants have a need for starting rotation help and Manaea has ties to the Bay Area as well as manager Bob Melvin. There could be some mutual interest in a reunion but the Mets will likely make a hard push to keep him as well.