San Francisco Giants Pick Up Options on Bumgarner, Moore and Sandoval

The San Francisco Giants officially picked up the 2018 options on Madison Bumgarner, Matt Moore, and Pablo Sandoval today.

While the moves were expected, especially Bumgarner, it was still noteworthy to see the Giants keep Moore and Sandoval.

Moore had one of the worst seasons of his career and was one of the worst pitchers in the National League. He was due $9 million and there was some thought that the Giants may decide to move on.

However, with how bare the market is for starting pitching, and particularly left-handed starting pitching, keeping Moore was understandable.

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Trying to replace Moore in the open market would be far more expensive, and with a new pitching coach in Curt Young and a new bullpen coach in Matt Herges, it is possible that the Giants could resurrect Moore’s career.

Sandoval was less of a surprise simply because of the cost. Despite a dismal season and a forgettable career in Boston, Sandoval will only make the major league minimum in 2018 since his salary is being paid still by the Red Sox.

Sandoval provides depth on the Giants bench, as a switch hitter who can play both third base and first base.

Bumgarner was the no brainer, and while his infamous dirt bike accident may have led to some pause as to a long term deal, picking up the $12 million option on his 2018 deal was the easiest move of Bobby Evans career.

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Bumgarner showed he is still an ace after his return from injury and the Giants success in 2018 will largely depend on how good Bumgarner does.