Would Buster Posey dare to bring back controversial former SF Giants closer?

The SF Giants could definitely benefit from a few more arms in what seems likely to be a low-cost bullpen remodel this offseason. Would president of baseball operations Buster Posey dare to bring back a familiar face in controversial closer Hunter Strickland?

The Giants have made some minor additions to the bullpen, leaning heavily on one-year contracts for pitchers coming off injury-plagued seasons. Strickland would fit that bill although the baggage he would bring with him would probably outweigh whatever he still brings to the table with his arm.

Former SF Giants closer Hunter Strickland would fit in with team's bullpen remodel

Last season with the Los Angeles Angels, Strickland had a 3.27 ERA in 19 appearances. He struck out 14 and walked 10 in 22 innings pitched. The 37-year-old injured his shoulder in July which effectively ended his season.

He does not flash that same 99 mile per hour fastball he had when he debuted in the big leagues with the Giants, but he now has a five-pitch mix that allows him to get outs at this stage in his career.

If you think Posey would hesitate to bring back a familiar face into the mix for the bullpen, he and the front office did just sign former Giant Gregory Santos to a minor league deal. However, Strickland is not just any familiar face.

His Giants legacy is inextricably tied to him intentionally drilling Bryce Harper back in 2017 as delayed retaliation for Harper taking him deep twice in the 2014 playoffs.

Posey infamously remained behind the plate, which to many was evidence that he did not condone what Strickland had done.

It is questionable whether Posey and the Giants would want to deal with the potential uproar that would come from the fanbase if they brought back Strickland. There are plenty of other comparable arms who could be had on a minor league contract who would not dredge up the same memories of giving up moon shots into McCovey Cove even if everything ultimately turned out alright in 2014.

At the same time, why not add a little spice into the bullpen competition? Spring training can often be devoid of intriguing storylines, so why not bring back a polarizing face and see if he still has anything left in the tank?

It is very unlikely, but Strickland does have a very similar profile to the other relievers the team has signed this offseason so a reunion cannot be completely discounted.