Ranking the 4 frontline starters the SF Giants should target in free agency

Ranking the 4 frontline starters the SF Giants should target in free agency

2) Aaron Nola

The career Phillies star is entering free agency with a strange 2023 profile. The former All-Star was inconsistent, to the tune of a 4.46 ERA in 32 outings. Oddly, Nola has alternated between stellar seasons and disappointing ones nearly every year of his career. If this eight-year trend has any predictive value, the ace may be poised for to improve in 2024.

However, Nola flashed his top-tier upside in the postseason. He shut out the rival Miami Marlins over seven innings of work, earned a victory against the NL leading Braves in the NLDS, and went 1-1 with a 3.48 ERA against the eventual NL Champion Diamondbacks.

The Giants' pitching rotation has performed well with a collection of journeymen and veterans in recent years. However, adding a player with Nola's pedigree would give San Fransisco the type of co-ace to pair with Logan Webb.

The Giants would have to pay major money to pluck Nola away from Philadelphia. In fact, it would likely take at least $24.5 million per year on a multiyear contract to bring him to Oracle Park. He would be the clear top pitching target if it weren't for...