MLB insider surprisingly links SF Giants to 56-homer slugger in free agency

The SF Giants are reportedly not going to go after any big fish in free agency, but they have been linked to one of the premier power hitters on the market in left-handed slugger Kyle Schwarber. What should we make of this?

Jon Morosi of MLB Network reported that the Giants have checked in on Schwarber. Of course, we do not know how heavily involved they are with Schwarber but it is notable, and a bit surprising, that they have been linked to him at all.

SF Giants surprisingly linked to Kyle Schwarber

Schwarber is coming off an incredible year for Philadelphia. He slashed .240/.365/.563 with 56 home runs and 132 runs batted in. The fact that he is still producing like this at the age of 32 is remarkable but it is questionable as to whether he could maintain that same level of production going forward.

That is why his free agent case is a unique one. Some project that he could earn north of $100 million this offseason while some think that he is too risky to commit that kind of money to especially if he starts to decline at the plate.

Then there is the awkward fit he would be on the Giants. Schwarber played only a handful of games in left field last season and was primarily a designated hitter. He is not a strong defender so one would not think the Giants are entertaining sticking him in right field.

Perhaps he could be a DH for the Giants, but they already have Rafael Devers who figures to split time between first base and DH next season. Plus, adding Schwarber would make one think the Giants may not be all that high on top prospect Bryce Eldridge since things are already crowded with both he and Devers in the picture.

Still, if the Giants could be certain that Schwarber would hit 50 homers next season they would do anything they could to get his bat in the lineup. Even though Oracle Park is notoriously tough on lefties, Schwarber has enough pop in his bat to overcome the cold air and fog.

It still feels like a bit of a pipe dream that the Giants would land Schwarber, though. If they are reportedly not even interested in adding a starting pitcher on a nine-figure deal then it is hard to see them be willing to dole out that kind of money to Schwarber.

While an interesting rumor, Giants fans know that being linked to power-hitting free agent sluggers is not worth all that much.