SF Giants issue qualifying offer to 2 key players from the 2022 season

The SF Giants have been one of the more aggressive teams with the qualifying offer in recent seasons. They continued that trend as both outfielder Joc Pederson and left-handed pitcher Carlos Rodón received a $19.65 million qualifying offer.

SF Giants issue qualifying offer to 2 key players from the 2022 season

The qualifying offer serves as a one-year deal at a pre-determined rate based on the top salaries in baseball. Players have 10 days to decide whether to accept or reject it.

In the case of Rodón, he will reject it as he is poised to be the top pitcher on the market. The left-handed hurler had a stellar campaign in 2022, registering a 2.88 ERA, 2.25 FIP, 1.02 WHIP, 12.0 K/9, and a 4.56 SO/W ratio in 31 starts.

Durability has been an issue for Rodón throughout his career as he has battled both shoulder and elbow ailments. However, his appearances (31) and innings pitched (178) represent career highs for the hard-throwing lefty.

Kevin Gausman's five-year, $110 million pact and Robbie Ray's five-year, $115 million deal from last season will serve as templates for Rodón. Though, it would not be surprising to see the 29-year-old push for a higher average annual value.

If Rodón signs elsewhere, the Giants will receive a compensatory pick. On the other hand, Joc Pederson could end up accepting the qualifying offer. I think if the Giants were motivated to retain Pederson, then this is a good move as it is only a one-year deal. Of course, it is fair to wonder if retaining him is the right move in the first place.

Regardless, the left-handed bat slashed .274/.353/.521 (144 OPS+) with 23 home runs, 70 RBI, and 57 runs in 433 plate appearances. This includes a 9.7 percent walk rate against a 23.1 percent strikeout rate.

As a team, the Giants struggled to the tune of a .698 OPS against right-handed pitching, so keeping Pederson gives them a potent bat against righties.

The 30-year-old graded as one of the worst outfielders in baseball in 2022 as he was worth -15 Defensive Runs Saved (DRS) and -10 Outs Above Average (OAA). That might be one of the reasons why he might accept the qualifying offer as some teams will be weary of his declining defensive ability.

Both Pederson and Rodón made the NL All-Star team in 2022. And, they were some of the most impactful players on an 81-81 Giants team. They have 10 days to declare whether they will accept the qualifying offer or not, but it feels like Rodón will make his decision sooner rather than later.