Rival executives believe SF Giants will be aggressive in addressing offseason need

What do the SF Giants need to target in the offseason? According to Bob Nightengale of USA Today, rival executives believe that San Francisco will be one of the most aggressive teams looking for pitching this winter.

Rival executives believe SF Giants will be aggressive in addressing offseason need

Nightengale lists the Baltimore Orioles as the team that will likely be the most aggressive on that front. The New York Mets, Chicago Cubs, Atlanta Braves, Boston Red Sox, and Detroit Tigers are expected to join the Giants and Orioles in that market.

Perhaps, this is not too surprising for the Giants. They have fallen short of the playoffs for the fourth straight year. By the end of each season, the starting rotation has usually run thin on depth.

This year is no different. Logan Webb continues to be a workhorse. Robbie Ray likely dealt with fatigue in the second half of the year, and Justin Verlander pitched better as the season progressed.

The options behind those three were limited. Landen Roupp was throwing the ball well before he was placed on the injured list with elbow inflammation. He will enter next season with a strong hold on a rotation spot.

Carson Whisenhunt, Carson Seymour, and Kai-Wei Teng did not make a strong case to be in next year's rotation. On the other hand, Trevor McDonald will likely get a long look after putting together two quality starts to finish this year.

Verlander is the only one from that group who is becoming a free agent. The Giants will likely leave the door open for a return, and the future Hall of Famer has conveyed interest in returning to San Francisco for a second season.

There will be no shortage of options in free agency, but few who represent legitimate upgrades over the production Verlander provided. Dylan Cease and Zac Gallen have good track records, but are coming off down seasons in 2025. Michael King has a mutual option, which is rarely exercised by both parties. Shane Bieber has a player option, but could look to secure more guaranteed money in free agency.

Of course, the Giants could also pursue the trade market to address this need. Sonny Gray has expressed his willingness to waive his no-trade clause, but he is owed $35 million in 2026 with a team option for 2027. He has control over where he lands, but money could be a roadblock for many teams.

One way or the other, the Giants will look to add to the starting rotation. Plus, the bullpen needs to be completely redone. They need pitching, pitching, and more pitching.

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