3 Top SF Giants starting pitching targets by SO/W ratio

3 Top SF Giants starting pitching targets by SO/W ratio

3. Carlos Rodón - 4.56 SO/W ratio

You know what would help the Giants fill that Carlos Rodón-sized hole in that rotation? A brand new version of Carlos Rodón.

The Giants let Kevin Gausman walk in free agency last winter without making a legitimate offer. The right-handed hurler inked a five-year, $110 million pact with the Toronto Blue Jays and he was fantastic in the first year of that deal, posting a 3.35 ERA in 31 starts. The Giants cannot make the same mistake with Rodón. San Francisco will have more financial flexibility than just above every big-market club in baseball.

Of course, ability to spend and willingness to spend are two different concepts and the current front office has not proven that it is willing to spend on these lucrative, long-term deals.

The left-handed hurler signed a two-year, $44 million pact last offseason with an opt-out clause after the first season if he reached 110 innings. He reached that mark with ease and will certainly opt-out to become a free agent again.

Rodón was fantastic in a Giants uniform in 2022 as he recorded a 2.88 ERA, 2.25 FIP, 1.02 WHIP, 12.0 K/9, and a 4.56 SO/W ratio in 31 starts. He earned an NL All-Star nod and will receive votes for the NL Cy Young award when the voting results are released in November.

The veteran starter is poised to earn a huge payday as one of the best arms on the market. The Giants will hold a small amount of leverage as they will issue him a qualifying offer for $19.65 million, which he will reject. If he signs elsewhere, the team that signs him will lose a draft pick.

There are some players where the draft pick compensation becomes an issue for prospective teams, but I do not think that will be the case with the lefty. Rodón will likely produce more value over the course of his next contract than a potential draft pick.

He is a perfect fit with what the Giants like in a pitcher. He fills up the strike zone with a mid-90's four-seam fastball and a devastating slider. It is not hyperbole to say that he has been one of the best pitchers since the start of 2021.

Plus, Rodón will be turning 30 next year, so it is fair to assume that he has plenty of good seasons in front of him. The question will be whether the Giants are comfortable signing a pitcher to a long-term deal.