San Francisco Giants: Free agency predictions
Oct 3, 2015; Los Angeles, CA, USA; Los Angeles Dodgers starting pitcher Zack Greinke (21) in the eighth inning of the game against the San Diego Padres at Dodger Stadium. Dodgers won 2-1. Mandatory Credit: Jayne Kamin-Oncea-USA TODAY Sports
#4. Sign a Top-End Starting Pitcher
Yes, after years of dreading the Barry Zito contract and regretting the Aaron Rowand signing, it is time for San Francisco to offer big money to a big-name starting pitcher. Why? Well, because it is necessary. Bumgarner is alone at the top of the rotation, and after that, question marks of Matt Cain, Chris Heston, and Jake Peavy remain.
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So, who will they sign? Just pick one and you can’t go wrong. Okay, maybe there is a little more discussion and elements that need to be taken into account, but David Price, Jordan Zimmermann, Zack Greinke, and Johnny Cueto are all proven All Stars.
Personally, because of Zimmermann’s familiarity with the National League, his career dominance over the Giants, and recent reports of San Francisco being strong suitors for him, I strongly believe it will be Zimmermann buying a one-way ticket to San Francisco, and I am all for it.
So, how will they afford it?
Well, San Francisco has around $43 million dollars to spend. Starters like Price, Cueto, Greinke, and Zimmermann will be demanding as much as $25 million per year, which is quite ridiculous to say the least. However, San Francisco has the financial ability to make this move happen and they should.
Sep 19, 2015; Washington, DC, USA; Washington Nationals starting pitcher Jordan Zimmermann (27) throws to the Miami Marlins during the first inning at Nationals Park. Mandatory Credit: Brad Mills-USA TODAY Sports
Just imagine a tandem of Bumgarner and Greinke. Or a Bumgarner and Price. After that, in comes Mike Leake and then Jake Peavy. Not only would they best the Dodgers rotation, but they arguably would become one of, if not the, best rotation in the game.
If VP Brian Sabean and GM Bobby Evans decide to take a pass on these free agent pitching stars, they might as well be taking a pass on making the playoffs in 2016 because signing a big name starting pitcher is a must this free agency.