While the recent acquisitions of Evan Longoria and Andrew McCutchen have put the San Francisco Giants back on the map, there are three moves left to make.
The Giants still have a massive whole in center field, they could use another starting pitcher, and they could also use another arm in the bullpen.
Some — like myself — might say there are two holes left to fill in the outfield, but I can live with Hunter Pence in left if I must.
The front office seems to be concerned with staying under the luxury tax, which can’t be the case. After all they’ve done this offseason to compete in 2018, it would be a complete waste if they held themselves back now.
My first option for center field would be Lorenzo Cain. The only concerns I have with signing him are the years it might take — I would give no more than four — and the draft picks we would lose.
But make no mistake about it, Cain is the best option out there to take over center field.
If not him, then I would go after Austin Jackson. He would at least give you an experienced center fielder until Steven Duggar is ready to take over.
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Looking for a starting pitcher is tricky because it doesn’t make sense to sign anyone over $9 million who isn’t a significant upgrade over Matt Moore.
Maybe a Lance Lynn or Alex Cobb falls into their range as the offseason continues at this slow pace. But more likely, the Giants will have to settle for a Chris Tillman or Jamie Garcia on a smaller deal and hope they rebound with big seasons.
Most of the best relief pitchers have already been taken this offseason, so I won’t begin to speculate on who they might sign. But I think they definitely need to add at least one solid veteran to the bullpen that we can rely on before spring training.
If the front office can make these things happen, especially if they go for the players on the high-end, then I’ll start believing we can win the division again.
Next: Let’s Take a Look at Potential 2018 SF Giants Lineups
Like I keep saying, these moves are nice, but there is more work to be done. The front office can’t stop here if they are serious about winning in 2018.