Top 4 Free Agents Giants Should Target In 2016-17
The Chicago Cubs may have won the World Series and Donald Trump may have won the presidency, but one thing is still certain: the MLB free agency period is amazing.
The San Francisco Giants, who have been somewhat active in the free agent market over the past few years, have some glaring holes in their lineup. Those same holes are the ones that ultimately decided their season would end a bit early in the postseason.
Here are four free agents the Giants should pursue this winter in order to make a long run to the 2017 World Series:
4. Kenley Jansen, RP
It's no secret the Giants need a bonafide closer, and over the last five seasons, Jansen has been just that.
Despite playing for the Giants biggest enemy (Los Angeles, obviously), Jansen could be a fine addition to the bullpen. Last year, he finished with a 1.83 ERA and 47 saves in 68.2 innings. Oh, plus he struck out 104 batters.
The biggest asset is his ability to strike people out - he's averaged over 13 strikeouts per nine innings every season of the 29-year-old's career. While that may not be as impressive as Aroldis Chapman's 15+ K/9, at least he hasn't been charged with assault...
3. Mark Melancon, RP
Surprise! It's another relief pitcher.
The Giants are losing Javier Lopez, Sergio Romo, Santiago Casilla and Jake Peavy to free agency. While all four of those guys are still good enough to be in the league, the Giants are going to need to upgrade their core. Melancon, would be one of those upgrades.
He's a veteran (turning 32 next spring), and has a very impressive track record with the Pittsburgh Pirates/Washington Nationals. Over the past four years, he has a 1.80 ERA with 147 saves and 268 strikeouts in 290 innings. He would be the set-up man.
2. Josh Reddick, OF
The Giants are also (probably) losing free agent Angel Pagan. If they do re-sign him, it'll be for cheap and a possible fourth outfielder role. So, who takes left field next to Denard Span and Hunter Pence?
Boom, Josh Reddick.
Reddick, 29, is another former Dodger (barely), but he was traded there after having a terrible time in Oakland over the last few years. He had no choice of where he was going, even if it was to the rival. Since being traded to Oakland from Boston in 2012, Reddick has had a front row seat watching the Giants defy the impossible by winning two World Series trophies.
His hair, personality, defense and offense just screams "San Francisco" - it may be time to sign him up, Bobby Evans. He's not going to cost as much as Yoenis Cespedes, but he will be asking for a lengthy contract. I say go for it.
1. Boone Logan, RP
Hear me out. While this isn't the highest ranked free agent, Boone Logan would effectively fill the shoes left by Javier Lopez.
Logan, 32, has pitched in home run-friendly ballparks as his home field for the last seven seasons (Colorado Rockies, New York Yankees, Atlanta Braves). Despite the home run threat, he has still put up good numbers - especially against left-handed batters (giving up only an .142 BA) and his career ERA at AT&T Park is a welcoming 2.08.
Also by this time, the Giants would have spent tens of millions of dollars on the free agents above. Logan would cost around $5-6 million per year if the Giants were to sign him - not bad. The Giants need a shut down lefty - Logan could be that guy.