Three starting pitchers the SF Giants could target with high ground ball rates

The SF Giants have only made a handful of pitching additions this winter, but they have seemingly been targeting pitchers with a high ground ball rate. If that is a trait they covet, there are quite a few options who check off that box.

Three starting pitchers the SF Giants could target with high ground ball rates

Recent reports suggest that the Giants are looking more for moderatly-priced pitchers. While Framber Valdez and Ranger Suárez are some of the best ground ball pitchers in free agency, they might bee too costly for San Francisco.

Plus, pitch-to-contact hurlers tend to be a bit more cost effective. Teams often covet strikeout pitchers more, which puts a premium on that trait. That said, ground ball pitchers do a good job at limiting extra-base hits and keeping the ball in the ballpark.

Kris Bubic - 47.2 percent ground ball rate

Kris Bubic has local ties to the Bay Area, and the Kansas City Royals could trade from a strength to bolster a struggling outfield unit. The Giants do not have much to offer in that regard, but does not have much of a consistent track record and only has one year of team control remaining.

In terms of upside and cost, the southpaw pitcher might be the best option available. He is coming off a strong season, where he pitched to a 2.55 ERA in 20 outings. Bubic finished the year on the injured list following a rotator cuff strain. Unfortunately, injuries have limited his ability to handle a full season. Bubic has never thrown more than 130 innings in a year.

Chris Bassitt - 46.5 percent ground ball rate

Chris Bassitt might not be the most exciting option, but he is one of the more affordable, proven starters available. Plus, he is durable. Bassitt has made at least 30 starts and completed 170 innings in each of the past four seasons. In 2025, he pitched to a 3.96 ERA, 4.01 FIP, 1.32 WHIP, 8.8 K/9, and a 3.19 SO/W rate in 32 outings for the Toronto Blue Jays.

The upside is limited for the 36-year-old pitcher, but he throws strikes, soaks up innings, and keeps the ball on the ground while being relatively effective. He checks off a lot of boxes for the Giants. Of course, if the Giants add Bassitt, they would need to pair him with another addition.

José Quintana - 43.3 percent ground ball rate

This would be a reunion of sorts for José Quintana. Quintana made five appearances for the Giants down the stretch in 2021. Similar to Bassitt, he is on the older side (36), but remains relatively effective.

The southpaw pitcher tallied a 3.96 ERA in 24 outings for the Milwaukee Brewers last season. The strikeouts are down, and his control is no longer a strength, but he continues to find ways to miss the barrel of the bat and get outs. As noted above, this concept only works if the Giants pair Quintana with another addition.