SF Giants Spring Training: 6 Competitions to Watch

 SF Giants Spring Training Competition:
Final 3 Bullpen Spots:

Favorites: Jarlin García, Reyes Moronta, Trevor Gott
Biggest Competition: Jay Jackson, Dedniel Núñez, Dominic Leone, James Sherfy, Zack Littell, Silvino Bracho, Wandy Peralta
Longshot: Camilo Doval, Daniel Alvarez, Tyler Cyr, Yunior Marte, Rico Garcia

If Moronta is back to his pre-injury self, he immediately becomes a lock for the Opening Day roster and there are probably only two middle-relief spots left. Aside from that, this is where things are wide open. I’m listing the incumbents (Moronta, García, and Gott) as the favorites, but Rule 5 pick Dedniel Núñez or veteran minor-league free agents like Dominic Leone, Jay Jackson, James Sherfy, Zack Littell, or Silvino Bracho could all slot ahead of Gott depending on personal preferences. Leone, Jackson, and Bracho are my favorites (in that order).

With so many potential relievers in camp, Gott will need a strong spring to make the team. Moronta and García will have far more wiggle room, but less than many might expect. García has been a solid reliever over his career, and advanced numbers maintain skepticism of his ability to replicate the elite performance he had in 2020. Moronta has minor-league options remaining. Given the severity of his injury, don’t be surprised if he starts the season in minor-league camp to continue trying to regain his 2019 form.

Beyond the plethora of minor-league free agent signings, internal prospects like Tyler Cyr and Camilo Doval were on the cusp of big-league call-ups last season. Given the improved veteran depth, it’s hard to see them breaking through, but it’s far from out of the question. Cyr has been effective at every minor-league stop, and Doval has one of the world’s most electric pitch arsenals.