Free Agents the SF Giants should consider this offseason - not named Rodon, Judge, or Turner

Every list you will find regarding the SF Giants free agent predictions include bringing back Carlos Rodón
and signing both Aaron Judge and Trea Turner. Let me save you the trouble and NOT include them in today's reading, it seems pretty obvious the Giants should be interested in bringing back their ace and two A++++ players. Along with free agents, I also included some trade candidates into the mix--including some way-out-there-but-fun names.

Free Agents the SF Giants should consider this offseason - not named Rodon, Judge, or Turner

Doing some napkin schematics, I came to the conclusion that the glaring needs for the Giants are as followed:

-Catcher depth--whether Joey Bart is The answer or not for 2023.

-Some combination of first and third base--sliding J.D. Davis into one of those positions, and assuming Evan Longoria is not brought back.

-Second base

-Retooling the outfield, and designated hitter

-Number one starter to go with Logan Webb

-Bullpen help

1. Catcher Depth

Whether or not you believe Bart will be the 2023 Opening Day starter is very dependent on how you see any catcher fit into the Giant's plans. Longtime Cub Willson Contreras, for example, is a guy who will be the most expensive free agent catcher, but could provide the offensive spark that the position lacked this past season. Sean Murphy from the Athletics could likely be had -- given the state of their franchise -- but it would come at a premium. Murphy had a 3.5 WAR last season, and still has three years of team control remaining.

Here is a wild card name: Would the Royals, who have a 23-year-old catching prospect of their own, be willing to move franchise staple Salvador Perez? He is owed $20M a year for the next three seasons, with a $13M club option for 2026. Perez played in 114 games last season; which is the fewest games he has played since 2012 (excluding the COVID year. Rather unlikely, sure, but seeing Perez in a San Francisco uniform would be quite interesting. Yan Gomes, who is owed $6M next year from the Cubs, and could be owed $6M in 2024 if Chicago decides to pick up the team option, could be an O.K. option via the trade market. Three names to consider that could fit under the Gomes category of an older, more experienced catcher to play with Bart from the free agent market: Curt Casali reunion, Christian Vazquez, and Tucker Barnhart.