San Francisco Giants: Biggest Needs for 2019 Season to Contend

With the San Francisco Giants ready to put 2018 behind them, we look forward to what needs to happen to contend in 2019.

I’m tired of being negative when I write articles about the San Francisco Giants, so let’s think positively. What do the Giants need to do in order to compete in 2019?

Now before I get into this, let me remind you that I think the best course of action for the San Francisco Giants is to sell off your assets and rebuild.

But we’re going to be positive, and come at this with the mindset that they can turn the ship around next year.

So with that in mind, here are three areas they need to improve the most in the offseason:

• Outfield: And it’s not just one spot in the outfield, it’s the entire outfield. Every spot will be up for grabs entering the offseason. It’s really a shame we didn’t get to see more from Steven Duggar this year before his injury. Chris Shaw hasn’t shown that he’s ready to be an everyday player at the major league level. I think Austin Slater could be a solid, but not great, major league outfielder. The Giants will likely need to bring in two new outfielders this offseason.
• Bullpen: The bullpen, and the pitching in general, was actually much better in the second half. But still, you can never have enough strong arms in the bullpen, plus you can’t count on a relief pitcher being as good the next year.
• Power: It was an area they tried to improve this past offseason, and they did a little, but it was near enough. They’re still going to finish next to last in home runs, with nearly 100 less than the Dodgers. I know part of it has to do with the home ballpark, but the Giants have to find a way to get more power in the lineup.

On the bright side, there really isn’t much the Giants need to do — or can do because of roster constraints at the moment — to compete in 2019.

They obviously have to stay healthy, which you can’t control.

The pitching staff looks very solid for next year, both int he starting rotation and in the bullpen.

Somehow the Giants have to find a way to rework their lineup to include more power and clutch-hitting.

If they can improve those areas this offseason, I don’t see any reason why the San Francisco Giants can’t at least compete in 2019.