SF Giants starting rotation needs a bounceback campaign from young hurler

The SF Giants hoped that Hayden Birdsong would take the next step in his development in 2025. That did not take place, as he struggled through 10 starts with San Francisco before finishing the year with the Sacramento River Cats.

SF Giants starting rotation needs a bounceback campaign from young hurler

Birdsong competed with Landen Roupp and Kyle Harrison for the final rotation spot last spring. Roupp won the competition, and pitched well enough to be penciled into next year's Opening Day rotation.

Harrison began the year in Triple-A before being traded to the Boston Red Sox, and Birdsong began the year in the Giants' bullpen. They knew that an opening would appear at some point, and when it did, Birdsong would slot into that spot.

That opening appeared due to Jordan Hicks' struggles out of the rotation. He was demoted to the bullpen before joining Harrison in the trade to the Red Sox.

For what it is worth, Birdsong was excellent out of the bullpen, as he pitched to a 2.31 ERA in 11 outings. It would likely have been in his best interest to pitch out of the rotation, even if that was in Sacramento. Going from the bullpen to the rotation proved to be a challenge. That said, it is hard to ignore that Birdsong was effective out of the bullpen and provided value as a multi-inning reliever.

When the young hurler moved back to the rotation, things did not go smoothly. He struggled to a 6.17 ERA with 43 strikeouts and 27 walks in 42.1 frames out of the rotation. It was more of the same in Triple-A. Birdsong continued to post good strikeout rates (10.8 K/9), but struggled badly with command (6.9 BB/9). When the Giants needed more coverage in the back of the rotation, he was not seriously considered.

It may be cliché to say, but development is rarely ever linear and Birdsong is still just 24 years old. He throws a mid-90s four-seamer that he can maintain throughout his starts, with a quality changeup, curveball, and slider. He has the profile to be a good starter.

The Giants will need Birdsong to show improvement next season. The starting rotation is one of the top priorities the front office needs to address this offseason, but some of that improvement can come internally as well. The Giants likely view the right-handed pitcher as one of the likeliest candidates who can boost the rotation next year.