SF Giants: Potential Free Agent Matches from the World Series

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ARLINGTON, TEXAS – OCTOBER 21: Alex Wood #57 of the Los Angeles Dodgers delivers the pitch against the Tampa Bay Rays during the eighth inning in Game Two of the 2020 MLB World Series at Globe Life Field on October 21, 2020 in Arlington, Texas. (Photo by Tom Pennington/Getty Images) /

Left-Handed Pitcher Alex Wood

What SF Giants need does he fill?

Starting pitching depth

How he Performed in 2020?

Before the 2020 season, Wood looked like the next Drew Pomeranz. He had experience working out of the rotation and the bullpen while boasting a solid 22.1 percent strikeout rate.

In eight seasons, the southpaw has posted a 53-44 overall record with a 3.45 ERA (3.51 FIP). However, he has battled the injury bug as well.

That was the case in 2020 as he battled shoulder inflammation. The veteran hurler registered a 6.39 ERA with 15 strikeouts in only 12.2 innings while working primarily out of the bullpen. Given his injury history, the bullpen seems like an ideal long-term role for Wood. Recently, he has excelled in a relief role to a 2.81 ERA across 57.2 frames.

What are the Odds the SF Giants Sign him?

The Giants need a lot of starting pitching depth. They would probably like to retain both Kevin Gausman and Drew Smyly, but they will need more depth behind these two.

Even if they retain both of their key free agents, I could see them trying to get a reclamation project or two on buy-low contracts. Wood fits that description, but there will be several more pitchers who fit that bill. I put the chances at 33 percent.