Three reasons that a power-hitting target makes sense for the SF Giants

Earlier this week, we looked at three reasons why Cody Bellinger does not make sense for the SF Giants this winter. Now, let's shift gears and highlight why he could make sense.

Three reasons that a power-hitting target makes sense for the SF Giants

The Giants have not been heavily connected to that level of the market. That said, they have a need for another outfielder and a report came out earlier this week that they have checked in on the former NL MVP.

Bellinger and Kyle Tucker remain the top options in free agency. It is beginning to feel like Tucker's market will be slow to develop. Mike Yastrzemski and Cedric Mullins signed with the Atlanta Braves and Tampa Bay Rays, respectively. They were a couple of the more established outfielders available this winter.

Harrison Bader is much closer to Yastrzemski and Mullins in terms of production. He remains a free agent, but is probably best suited as a high-volume, fourth outfielder.

1. No qualifying offer

Cody Bellinger has already been extended a qualifying offer before, and that is a lever that can only be used once in a player's career. That came after a strong year with the Chicago Cubs in 2023.

Bellinger was not eligible to receive it again this offseason, and that could help broaden his market. There are plenty of instances where a qualifying offer weighs down a player's market. This is especially true for a player who is looking for a short-term deal.

2. Above-average contact skills

The Giants' front office is looking to add contact to the organization from the ground up. However, adding Bellinger would help them jumpstart that goal.

While the left-handed bat has a lot of moving parts in his swing, he has flashed above-average contact skills in recent years. Striking out too much has been a common complaint among Giants fans, but Bellinger would help bring that number down.

In 2025, the Giants' lineup had a 22.7 percent strikeout rate, which was the 13th-worst mark in baseball. They did swing and miss a lot, but they also had a confusing approach at the plate at times, as they would watch too many pitches go by.

On the other hand, Bellinger posted a 13.7 percent strikeout rate with an 87.5 percent in-zone contact rate in 2025. These traits have shown improvement as his career has progressed.

3. Speed, athelticism, and defense

Bellinger also brings speed, athleticism, and defense to the table. In recent years, the Giants have been lacking in speed and athleticism. He is an above-average runner, with some functional speed on the bases. Bellinger swiped 13 bases in 15 opportunities last year.

The nine-year veteran would have led the Giants in stolen bases. Only Willy Adames (12 steals) and Jung Hoo Lee (10 steals) reached double digit steals in 2025.

In addition to speed, Bellinger remains a good defensive outfielder. He is passable in center field, but comfortably above average in the corners. Last season, he tallied 12 Defensive Runs Saved, six Outs Above Average, and nine Fielding Run Value.

Outfield defense was a major problem for the Giants in 2025. As of now, Heliot Ramos and Lee are penciled in at left field and center field, respectively. The best defensive alignment likely has Lee in the corners, with a capable glove like Bellinger taking over in center field.