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Ranking the SF Giants 5 best value-for-money acquisitions under Farhan Zaidi

By Nathan Smith |
SF Giants, Farhan Zaidi
SF Giants, Farhan Zaidi / Jason O. Watson/GettyImages
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Farhan Zaidi won the 2021 MLB Executive of the Year award, and after the job he has done improving the SF Giants organization since he was appointed in September 2018, it’s about time he is recognised for his work.

Ranking the SF Giants 5 best value-for-money acquisitions under Farhan Zaidi

Unlike other decision makers in baseball, Zaidi avoids large, long-term contracts, instead option for often overlooked players that fit the culture of what the Giants want to be.

While the Giants haven’t had the playoff success he would have liked in the three seasons with him at the helm, it’s only a matter of time, as something very special is brewing by the bay.

With Farhan in charge, we aren’t likely to see a 10-year term or a 9-figure deal anytime soon, but the way he’s built this current squad has Giants fans very excited for the future, and for the present.

Not all ‘Farhan projects’ pan out, he has a fantastic record since taking over in San Francisco, but these five acquisitions stand out as the best among them all.

1. LaMonte Wade Jr. is the best Farhan project for the SF Giants

When the SF Giants originally traded for LaMonte Wade, not a single Giants fan batted an eye, but after ‘Late Night LaMonte’ showed out in 2021, he was just another example of how good Farhan Zaidi’s moves can be.

Wade was acquired for Shaun Anderson, and after his heroics in 2021, the Giants clearly have a star for the future, and considering how many other teams would have simply had him waste away in the minors, it’s clear the Giants got a gem.

His long-term future with the Giants isn’t yet set in stone, but this is a fan base known for idolising characters who perform on the field, so it wouldn’t shock anyone for Farhan’s greatest project to be a Giant for a long, long time to come.

SF Giants, Mike Yastrzemski
SF Giants, Mike Yastrzemski / Al Bello/GettyImages

Ranking the SF Giants 5 best value-for-money acquisitions under Farhan Zaidi

2. Mike Yastrzemski is the perfect example of an SF Giants steal under Farhan Zaidi

Despite the historic, iconic last name, Mike Yastrzemski was wasting away in the minor leagues until he was traded to San Francisco where he would become a key piece to a playoff squad.

At the time, most saw Yaz as a disappointment, due to the lofty expectations that come with such a reputable surname, but in his three years with San Francisco, he’s absolutely shined for this squad.

While he will never be a star in the MLB due to his age, Yaz has been a significant contributor to this Giants organization, and when you consider what he was traded for, a .255 avg, 57 home runs and 164 RBI over three years is more than quality.

3. Darin Ruf has provided the SF Giants with plenty of bang for their buck

While Darin Ruf will never become a big time star or a 30-home run hitter, he plays a very important role for the Giants, and with the Universal DH being implemented in 2022, it’s an even more key role for this team.

In 2021, Ruf was another unsung hero that helped the Giants to a franchise record 107 wins, especially while he was raking against lefties, and while full time DH may not be suited for him, he’s a key piece for this team.

With other bats like Longoria, Wade and La Stella coming back soon, Ruf’s role might be somewhat diminished, but that will never take away from what a steal he’s been for this team with his great production.

SF Giants, Joc Pederson
SF Giants, Joc Pederson / Stacy Revere/GettyImages

Ranking the SF Giants 5 best value-for-money acquisitions under Farhan Zaidi

4. Joc Pederson was a steal for the SF Giants, and he’s already paying off

Despite being less than a month into his Giants career, Joc Pederson has been fantastic for this squad, and it boggles the mind that such a great player, especially in October could be had for such a bargain.

In 15 games, Joc has powered six home runs and is currently a key piece in this lineup in the lead off spot, and if he can continue this pace, he might be the biggest steal in free agency, and perhaps the best overall signing.

While not your traditional Farhan project, as Joc has been a big name player and starred in the playoffs, to get him for just $6m a year, his output deserves so much more than that.

5. Alex Wood is a perfect example of an SF Giants value for money signing

The SF Giants have always taken pride in their pitching, and while Alex Wood doesn’t move the needle like some of the organisation’s star pitchers over the last 12 years, he’s a valuable asset to this team.

Sure, the acquisition of Carlos Rodon makes headlines, and rightfully so, but he was paid at market price. Wood on the other hand came relatively cheap, and when healthy, he can be one of the best No. 3 or No. 4 rotation pieces in the league.

He’s off to a good start in 2022, and if he can stay healthy for the entire year, you may see incredible production for Wood, an absolute steal after originally signing him for 1 year at $3m.

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