SF Giants can still make one final offseason splash before spring training

It seems like the SF Giants are probably done making big moves this offseason after the reported addition of second baseman Luis Arraez. However, with some big fish remaining in the free agent pool maybe San Francisco can make a splash.

It is a bit shocking that big free agent pitchers like Framber Valdez and Zac Gallen are still available with spring training starting in just a few weeks. It suggests their markets have not materialized as they have planned which could create an opportunity for the Giants.

SF Giants can still make a splash before spring training

Technically, San Francisco's rotation is full right now. They signed Adrian Houser and Tyler Mahle to slot into the rotation alongside Logan Webb, Robbie Ray, and Landen Roupp which gives them five starters.

However, there are a lot of question marks with that rotation. Ray really fell off in the second half last season, Roupp dealt with injuries in the second half even though he looked strong when he was healthy, and it would be wishful thinking to believe that the Giants will get 30 starts from both Houser and Mahle.

That's why the Giants should still be looking into getting another starter.

Valdez was seen as one of the top pitchers on the market entering the offseason, but character questions and the fact that he is 32 probably explains why teams have not been stumbling over each other to offer him a long-term deal.

He's been a supremely consistent pitcher and would pair perfectly with Logan Webb atop the rotation. Having two sinker-ballers who will likely give you 30 starts or more is invaluable and would turn San Francisco's rotation into one of the strongest in the game. Of course, there are other teams reportedly interested in Valdez as well.

Gallen is coming off a down season in 2025 which may be part of the reason why he has not signed with a team yet. He's just a few years removed from being seen as one of the best pitchers in the game and would be a really solid No. 2 or No. 3 starter. It's no surprise the Giants are seen as one of the top destinations for Gallen.

Adding either of these pitchers would likely bump Landen Roupp to the bullpen, but that may not be the worst thing as he comes off an injury and he could still jump right back into the rotation if someone gets hurt.

But both Gallen and Valdez's free agent situations are practically begging for a short-term deal with opt-outs. If the Giants could land either pitcher on a two-year deal with an opt-out after the first season they should jump at that chance. San Francisco may have to employ some Los Angeles Dodgers chicanery and defer some money in order to come in under the luxury tax, but it would be worth it to improve the rotation.

We'll see if the Giants are willing to make a move like this but both pitchers are still right there for the taking.