These were the 3 worst SF Giants free agent signings of the Farhan Zaidi era

The SF Giants have relieved Farhan Zaidi of his duties. This allows an opportunity for reflection on his 6-year tenure as president of baseball operations. This article will focus on the three worst signings of his tenure.

We at Around the Foghorn have already taken a look at the defining moment of Zaidi's time with the Giants. While it may feel a little mean to criticize Zaidi even after he was fired, it is instructive to look back at some of the deals that did not work out and helped contribute to his ouster in the long run.

3 worst SF Giants free agent signings under Farhan Zaidi

1. Tommy La Stella

The Giants signed second baseman Tommy La Stella to a 3-year, $18.75 million contract ahead of the 2021 season. He never lived up to it as he struggled offensively and struggled with staying on the field while in San Francisco. In 2021 he slashed .250/.308/.405 with 7 home runs and 27 RBI. He only appeared in 76 games that season.

He followed that up in 2022 with another disappointing campaign, hitting .239/.282/.350 with 2 homers and 14 RBI. He was designated for assignment that offseason as it was clear that the Giants had found a solid replacement at second base in Thairo Estrada. La Stella only played 12 games with the Seattle Mariners in 2023 and it seems unlikely he will be in the big leagues again. He still had a solid career though and was a reliable contact hitter in his earlier years.

2. Ross Stripling

The Giants signed right-handed pitcher Ross Stripling to a 2-year, $25 million contract prior to the 2023 season. It seemed like a reasonable move at the time since Stripling had a really solid 2022 with the Toronto Blue Jays posting a 3.01 ERA in 134 and 1/3 innings.

Things did not go that way in 2023 with the Giants though. Stripling struggled mightily to the tune of a 5.36 ERA in 89 innings in 2023 and frankly looked lost for most of the year. This led to the Giants trading him in the offseason to the A's where he struggled as well. 2024 saw him post a 6.01 ERA in 85 and 1/3 innings.

He had solid seasons in the past which inspired confidence when the Giants signed him, but Farhan Zaidi definitely took a loss on that one.

3. Tom Murphy

The signing of catcher Tom Murphy to a 2-year, $8.25 million contract really did not pan out for Zaidi and the Giants. The Giants brought him in to be the backup to Patrick Bailey which effectively ended Joey Bart's time with the Giants. This turned out to be a pretty bad move in retrospect because Bart went on to thrive with the Pittsburgh Pirates while Murphy recorded 4 hits in 34 at-bats for the Giants before injuring his knee and missing the rest of the season.

Of course, injuries happen so it was really just bad luck that Murphy hardly played at all with the Giants. But signing him in the first place looks even worse now because of Bart's solid play. One could argue that Bart needed the change of scenery and opportunity provided in Pittsburgh to flourish the way he has, but it still could be a regret that they let him go in favor of Murphy.

These were the three worst free agent signings of Farhan Zaidi's tenure. To be fair to Zaidi, he made a lot of really good moves and signings as well. But it was moves like these that helped contribute to the end of his time with the Giants.