3 SF Giants players who are poised to see the biggest improvement in 2025

The 2024 season saw some SF Giants players like Heliot Ramos and Tyler Fitzgerald take a big step forward. It also saw some players put together inconsistent numbers. Which Giants players are poised to see the biggest improvement in 2025?

3 SF Giants players who are poised to see the biggest improvement in 2025

There were quite a few to choose from the roster. Perhaps, Hayden Birdsong's control sees improvement. If so, he likely become a mid-rotation arm as soon as this year, especially when you factor in his ability to get hitters to swing and miss at such a high rate.

Marco Luciano is another player who could be in the mix. He will likely begin the year in Triple-A as he continues to learn left field. The Giants hope that transition is seamless and they hope that his raw power can translate more consistently to the game.

1. Kyle Harrison: A Full Offseason to Find Footing

After dealing with a couple of minor injuries throughout 2024, Harrison never really looked like himself for the SF Giants in 2024. His velocity was lower at points, and he openly admitted that some things just simply felt off. However, heading into 2025, Harrison has shown a lot of confidence and stated that he's back to where he wants to be. If proven true, the Giants can expect a leap in terms of production on the mound from the young southpaw.

One area Harrison really needs to improve in comes in limiting the long ball. In 2024, he struggled to keep the ball in the yard with a 1.30 HR/9, which is decently concerning considering the pitcher-friendly nature of Oracle Park.

Another area to look at will be his strikeout numbers, which were much lower than the strikeout potential he displayed in the minor leagues. Projections indicate a small improvement in this facet, with Steamer having him at a 9.19 K/9. However, if he can find his unicorn fastball, there's a real chance that Harrison can outperform these projections and become a dominant starter in this league.

2. Camilo Doval: A Former All-Star Finding Himself

Doval's 2024 campaign was a disaster for the most part. While his strikeout numbers were still elite at 11.90 K/9, his lack of control was a huge issue. He ran a 5.95 BB/9 which led to a career-worst 4.88 ERA, nearly two whole runs higher than his previous career-worst.

The good news? Things can only go up from here. Despite the struggles, Doval still has elite stuff including his triple digits fastball which can help propel him back to his All-Star self.

Projections for Doval remain optimistic, with OOPSY predicting a 3.03 ERA in 62 innings. They also expect an improved 4.12 BB/9 and slightly lower 10.86 K/9.

If Doval can hone in on his command and let his stuff play around the strike zone, he'll induce even more swing-and-miss and weak contact. A locked-in Camilo Doval paired with Ryan Walker and Tyler Rogers would give the Giants one of the best back halves of a pen in all of baseball.

3. Erik Miller: The Giants' Lone Lefty Reliever

One bright spot for the Giants in 2024 was the emergence of Erik Miller as the team's best high-leverage left-hander. With Taylor Rogers being traded, Miller is now the solidified lefty in the pen on the 40-man roster.

The 2024 rookie put together a decent first year, posting a 3.88 ERA across 67 innings with a 3.67 FIP. His strikeout numbers were still good, something consistent with his minor league numbers.

However, similar to Doval, walks were a concern. His 5.08 BB/9 was high and limited his effectiveness a number of times throughout the season. If Miller is able to clean up his consistency and command, he has all the tools to become one of the better left-handed relievers in baseball. You also can't forget that Miller is one of a few pitchers who has proven the ability to dominate Shohei Ohtani.