San Francisco Giants: Drew Smyly is a potential buy-low target

It could be another offseason of bargain hunting for the San Francisco Giants, and Drew Smyly looks like an intriguing target to round out the starting rotation.

The San Francisco Giants signed Drew Pomeranz to a one-year, $1.5 million last offseason hoping to hit on a low-cost, bounce-back season.

While he flopped in the starting rotation, he eventually carved out a role in the bullpen and turned himself into a valuable trade chip in July.

A similar approach this offseason could lead them to target left-hander Drew Smyly this winter.

The 30-year-old missed the 2017 and 2018 seasons recovering from Tommy John surgery, before finally returning to action with the Texas Rangers in 2019.

He lasted nine starts and four relief appearances, logging an unsightly 8.42 ERA and 1.91 WHIP in 51.1 innings before he was released on June 25.

The Milwaukee Brewers signed him, but after three starts with their Triple-A affiliate, he was cut loose again before landing with the Philadelphia Phillies on July 21.

That proved to be a good fit, as he pitched to a 4.45 ERA and 1.32 WHIP with 68 strikeouts in 62.2 innings over 12 starts. Included in that was an excellent start against the San Francisco Giants on July 30, when he tossed seven scoreless innings and allowed just four hits and one walk.

Prior to his extended stint on the injured list, Smyly had established himself as a solid starter during his time with the Detroit Tigers and Tampa Bay Rays, posting a 3.74 ERA and 1.20 WHIP with 552 strikeouts in 570.1 innings.

Would he consider a similar one-year, $1.5 million deal to what Pomeranz signed last offseason, perhaps with some incentives to sweeten the deal?

If he’s willing to sign for something along those lines, his late-season resurgence and strong track record could make him a worthwhile buy-low candidate for the San Francisco Giants.

The team would certainly benefit from some adding further rotational depth, especially if Madison Bumgarner walks in free agency.