SF Giants could shift to power hitters in free agency after Corbin Burnes signs elsewhere

With Corbin Burnes joining the Arizona Diamondbacks, the SF Giants could pivot elsewhere. Mark Feinsand of MLB.Com speculates that the Giants should look to add another power-hitting bat.

SF Giants could shift to power hitters in free agency after Corbin Burnes signs elsewhere

Feinsand lists Teoscar Hernández, Pete Alonso, Anthony Santander, and Jurickson Profar as potential targets. While the MLB writer is well-connected throughout baseball, I should add that he is speculating about a fit between two parties rather than reporting on a rumor with substance. This is all a moot point now with Hernández as he reportedly re-signed with the Dodgers on a three-year, $66 million deal, per Jeff Passan of ESPN.

While contract talks between Hernández and the Dodgers dragged on, a reunion was always likely between the two parties. The veteran bat was quietly one of the best hitters in a lineup that featured Shohei Ohtani, Freddie Freeman, and Mookie Betts.

On the other hand, there have been few rumors connecting the Giants to either Santander or Profar. In particular, Profar would be a concerning target given how wide of a range in performance outcomes he had demonstrated over the years.

Alonso would give the Giants a legitimate, middle-of-the-order threat. That said, the Giants will likely rely on their internal options now with the hopes that Bryce Eldridge could take over at first base soon enough.

The Giants could use more power in their lineup. They have locked up Matt Chapman and Willy Adames to long-term contracts in recent months. Both players offer the potential to reach and surpass 20 home runs annually

Plus, Heliot Ramos and Tyler Fitzgerald flashed plenty of power in 2024. The Giants could still use one more middle-of-the-order hitter but few options are remaining on the market.

The Giants have money to spend and at least one near-term need in the outfield. Santander or Profar both fit that description. At this point, there does not seem to be much substance connecting the Giants to any of the targets mentioned.