SF Giants News: Concerns with Michael Conforto, updated luxury tax calculation, and more

The SF Giants have not been connected to outfielder Michael Conforto recently, but they remain a sensible fit given how the lineup leans too heavily on right-handed hitters. With that being said, there are concerns about his ability to throw from the outfield following shoulder surgery according to Ken Rosenthal of The Athletic.

SF Giants News: Concerns with Michael Conforto and potential suitors

Rosenthal adds that the New York Mets, Toronto Blue Jays, and the Texas Rangers have checked in on the seven-year veteran. The left-handed bat registered a .232/.344/.384 (100 OPS+ with 14 home runs, 55 RBI, and 52 runs in 479 plate appearances for the Mets in 2021. This included a 12.3 percent walk rate against a 21.7 percent strikeout rate.

Conforto missed the entire 2022 season after undergoing shoulder surgery. He is looking to re-establish value after having a down season in 2021 followed by a lost season last year. The Giants were interested in Conforto last winter and it stands to reason that they share a similar sentiment this offseason. Of course, the question will be whether he can play the field and that appears to be unanswered at the moment.

Updated luxury tax calculation for the SF Giants

The Giants were extremely busy last week, signing veteran starters Ross Stripling and Sean Manaea to a pair of two-year, $25 million contracts. This includes an opt-out for each after the first season. Sandwiched in between these moves, the Giants made a huge splash in signing star shortstop Carlos Correa to a 13-year, $350 million pact.

A medical issue came up during Correa's physical on Tuesday, which forced the Giants to postpone the press conference. Assuming that the Correa deal goes through under the current terms, the Giants will have an estimated $200 million against the cap according to Cot's.

With a Competitive Tax Threshold (CBT) of $233 million in 2023, they still have in the neighborhood of $33 million to spend before crossing the CBT. Theoretically, they could have another big move up their sleeve.

SF Giants place former top pitching prospect on waivers

The Giants officially added Sean Manaea to the 40-man roster on Friday. However, the corresponding roster move was not announced until Monday. Pitching prospect Gregory Santos was designated for assignment to make room for Manaea.

The 23-year-old pitcher was originally acquired along with Shaun Anderson in a deal that sent Eduardo Núñez to the Boston Red Sox in 2017. Santos was generally regarded as one of the Giants' top pitching prospects following the trade.

However, injuries and circumstances stalled his development. Santos tallied an 11.12 ERA in five appearances across two seasons with San Francisco. His 2021 season ended prematurely due to a PED suspension, whereas his 2022 season ended early due to a groin strain. The Giants will have 10 days to find a trade partner.