San Francisco Giants: After Evan Longoria What’s Next?

Following the San Francisco Giants recent acquisition of Evan Longoria, the question on everyone’s mind is what’s next?  Having wisely sent Denard Span to Tampa as part of the trade, the outfield gained yet another question mark.

The beginning of the solution is Jay Bruce and the San Francisco Giants and Bruce have mutual interest per Bob Nightengale and Henry Schulman.

Bruce would provide a huge boost to the Giants offense as he hit 36 home runs last season, while splitting time between the New York Mets and Cleveland Indians.  However, there are two negatives regarding Bruce.

The first is his age 31.  Bruce is seeking a four-year deal which would make him 35 by contract’s end.  The second downside is that defense has never really been Bruce’s focus or strong-suit.  However, I would still o the deal if it were structured properly.

What a Deal for Jay Bruce could Look Like

For guidance on the Bruce deal, should look to Brandon Kintzler‘s recent deal with the  Nationals. Chelsea Jones describes the structure of the deal as re-tweeted by Rosenthal.

If the Giants could do a two-year deal with Bruce with mutual options for both player and team, this  could help the Giants significantly financially over the long-term.

However, even with Bruce the, Giants still probably need at least one more outfielder from outsider.  Austin Slater should I think begin the year in center.  This leaves right field.  Hunter Pence cannot be the Giants starter next year if he is even on the team.

Other RF Options

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The best option in right would be Christian Yelich  if the Marlins show a willingness to trade him.  Another option could be Clint Frazier if he isn’t traded by the Yankees to the Pirates in the rumored trade for Gerrit Cole.

The likeliest potential option would be landing Carlos Gonzalez on a 1-year deal.  This move  would make the most sense financially for the Giants although I’m not sure that Gonzalez would be the best fit.  The Giants boast a lineup seriously lacking right-handed power even withe addition of Evan Longoria.

Two other names to keep an eye on could be Randal Grichuk and former Giant Adam Duvall.  The Giants have had prior discussions with the Reds regarding CF Billy Hamilton.  Those discussion could easily pivot to Duvall given the Giants needs.

Next: Juan Lagares should be Giants' next target

Closing Thoughts

The Giants are nowhere near done acquiring players this winter, so Giants fans shouldn’t worry.  I suspect the one or two major remaining additions will come from the group of players detailed here and that the addition of Jay Bruce will happen sooner rather than later. Stay tuned!