SF Giants linked to Dodgers reclamation project reliever in free agency

As the SF Giants look to rebuild a bullpen that was ravaged by injuries in 2025, they have been linked to reliever Michael Kopech. He dealt with injuries himself in 2025 and would be more of a reclamation project for San Francisco.

Kopech spent 2025 with the Los Angeles Dodgers and had a 2.45 ERA across 14 appearances. He dealt with numerous injuries that ultimately limited him to just 11 innings and he also walked 13 batters so he struggled with command at times.

SF Giants looking at Michael Kopech in free agency

Kopech's name was thrown out as a potential closer candidate for the Giants if they signed him which would not be the most inspiring development since he has just 15 career saves but maybe he has what it takes.

The Giants are going to have to figure out their closer situation a year after they started off with Ryan Walker as closer before he was replaced with Camilo Doval who was then traded so then Randy Rodríguez became the closer but he got hurt so they had to turn back to Walker who struggled mightily.

Many of the premier closer options are off the board and it always seemed like the Giants were going to stay away from those pricey relief arms based on comments from president of baseball operations Buster Posey who said the team was leaning more towards a closer competition rather than paying big money for a closer.

It is questionable whether the Giants will end up signing any of the high-end bullpen arms, including a reunion with Tyler Rogers who is one of the best setup men available in free agency. Spending money on relievers is always a risky proposition so do not be surprised if the Giants decide to buy in bulk.

Those who were hoping the Giants would go after someone like Edwin Díaz coming into the offseason can now recalibrate and think more about names like Shelby Miller or Drew Pomeranz who will be much cheaper and, believe it or not, are both former Giants.

Maybe this will end up being a wiser approach than blowing a bunch of money on the bullpen, but it is likely going to take some patience as the team sorts through which arms are effective and which are not early in the season.

The team's reported interest in Kopech gives a signal to what the approach to the bullpen will be so expect cheap, high-upside deals for any relievers this offseason.