MLB insider speculates that SF Giants will not pursue a pair of power-hitting outfielders

The SF Giants have a need for a power-hitting outfielder, and there are two obvious upgrades in free agency. Despite this, Jim Bowden of The Athletic speculates that the Giants will not be targeting Kyle Tucker or Cody Bellinger this winter.

MLB insider speculates that SF Giants will not pursue a pair of power-hitting outfielders

This is more than just speculation, as Bowden spoke with league sources who convey that message. Both Tucker and Bellinger will be some of the most heavily-coveted players in free agency. In the case of Tucker, he is expected to land a deal in excess of $300 million.

It would be one thing if the Giants found a way to upgrade right field by pursuing another option. However, it bears mentioning that the Los Angeles Dodgers are reportedly expected to pursue the four-time All-Star.

Some team, whether that is the Giants or a different team, need to step in the way to prevent this from happening. While some top free agents have been drawn to the Dodgers' ability to compete, other players have seemingly fallen into their lap, such as Mookie Betts and Freddie Freeman.

Bowden believes the Giants' biggest needs are starting pitching and the bullpen. He lists some of the top pitchers available, including Ranger Suárez, Framber Valdez, Dylan Cease, Michael King, and Shota Imanaga as potential targets.

While these areas are pressing needs, adding another hitting to the lineup is just as important. The Giants' lineup has a lot of players penciled in. Jung Hoo Lee, Matt Chapman, Rafael Devers, and Willy Adames are all under contract for next season.

Patrick Bailey is an elite defensive catcher, and Heliot Ramos had some big moments in 2025. That is six spots in the lineup, leaving DH, second base, and right field as somewhat unkowns.

The Giants plan to split time with Devers and Bryce Eldridge at first base and DH. However, Eldridge could begin next year in Triple-A. This would create a short-term need at DH. Casey Schmitt played well enough to enter next season as the incumbent, but it would behoove the Giants to add depth at that position as a backup plan.

That leaves right field. After the Giants traded away Mike Yastrzemski, that opened up playing time in right field. However, none of the internal options ran with the opportunity, so it remains a position of need. Kyle Tucker and Cody Bellinger bring a lot of traits to the table that the club needs, including above-average contact skills and power.

It is hard to look the Giants' lineup currentlyas a finished product. I know a lot can change between now and the start of spring training. At the very least, they need one more good hitter, even if they are giving off the impression that they will not be in that market.