SF Giants insider gives fans hope that team could still add another starter

The SF Giants made a move to add starting pitcher Tyler Mahle to the rotation. While this seemingly closed the door on another addition to the rotation, one Giants insider kept that door slightly ajar in a recent column.

Andrew Baggarly of The Athletic kept the possibility of another rotation addition alive, writing: "Although the Giants are likely done with free-agent starting pitchers, a case could be made that it wouldn’t hurt to add one more. And Max Scherzer, the 41-year-old three-time Cy Young Award winner, is still looking for a team. Scherzer has known new Giants manager Tony Vitello since their time together at the University of Missouri when Vitello was his pitching coach."

SF Giants could still potentially add Max Scherzer to rotation

Scherzer has been linked to the Giants ever since word broke that Tony Vitello would be the new manager. The two have an extensive history so it seemed like it could be a perfect match although the additions of Adrian Houser and Mahle probably make that reunion less likely.

If the Giants were to sign Scherzer, would they move Landen Roupp to the bullpen? Would they opt for a six-man rotation? There are options out there to make it work, but it does seem like the Giants are going to enter 2026 with a rotation of Logan Webb, Robbie Ray, Houser, Roupp, and Mahle.

Does that group inspire the most confidence? Not really, but the Giants have made it clear all offseason that they do not want to spend a lot of money on a starter and they accomplished that goal even if many fans are left wanting more.

A reunion with Justin Verlander seems to be out of the question now, though. After how strong he finished last season with the Giants he is planning to pitch again and will almost certainly go somewhere he would be a definite fixture in the rotation, not a borderline option like Scherzer would be.

Scherzer started just 17 games last season so maybe the Giants could limit his workload early in the year and try to have him ready for the postseason.

Still, San Francisco probably wants its younger arms to be insurance options in 2026. They are going to need someone like Hayden Birdsong or Carson Whisenhunt to step up at some point otherwise every season the Giants will be in need of starters.

Scherzer may be an imperfect fit, but Baggarly thinks the future Hall of Fame pitcher could still find his way to the Giants this offseason.