SF Giants: Bullpen Target Signs with the Rangers

The SF Giants briefly checked in on right-handed hurler Spencer Patton, but it appears that he will begin next season elsewhere.

The Texas Rangers announced that they have signed the potential SF Giants target to a minor-league deal. This includes an invite to Spring Training. Patton had spent the past four seasons with the Yokohama Bay Stars of the Japanese Central League.

The 32-year-old was originally drafted in the 24th round of 2011 draft by the Kansas City Royals out of Southern Illinois University.

Following a trade to Texas in 2014, Patton debuted with the Rangers later that season. He spent two seasons with Texas where he registered a 6.75 ERA, 4.54 FIP, 1.32 WHIP, and a 2.57 SO/W ratio.

After the 2015 season, he was shipped to the Chicago Cubs in exchange for minor-league infielder Frandy De La Rosa. Interestingly, De La Rosa was acquired by the Giants in a 2017 trade that sent pitching prospect Clayton Blackburn back to Texas.

Patton only stayed with the Cubs only for the 2016 season where he registered a 5.48 era across 21.1 frames. However, that was long enough to earn a World Series ring, but he was released shortly thereafter.

For the next four seasons, the 32-year-old pitched to a 3.28 ERA with 289 strikeouts in 241.1 innings. Perhaps, Patton is following the same career arc as Miles Mikolas, who pitched overseas and returned to the United States to see solid results.

Patton reportedly had a handful of potential suitors before returning to the Rangers. The Giants were one of several clubs to observe a recent workout.

Given the pandemic-shortened 2020 season, teams are going to be cautious with their pitcher’s arm strength. Adding depth in 2021 will be even more important than it has been before. The Giants are no different in this reality. So far, they have signed Matt Wisler and John Brebbia to major-contracts. Furthermore, they have brought in a handful of veteran relievers in Dominic Leone, Jay Jackson, Silvino Bracho, James Sherfy, and Zack Littell.

On top of this, they added three more young arms in Camilo Doval, Gregory Santos, and Kervin Castro to the 40-man roster in November. Pitching will continue to be in demand even as the offseason comes to an end. San Francisco is still casting a wide net for pitching as organizational depth will be tested in 2021.