TODAY: The signing is official. According to multiple reporters (including John Shea of The San Francisco Chronicle), Wood will get $25MM over the course of the two-year contract, with an even $12.5MM in each season. Based on games pitched, Wood can also earn up to $2.5MM in additional bonuses.
NOVEMBER 22: The Giants are closing in on an agreement with free agent southpaw Alex Wood, reports Robert Murray of FanSided (Twitter link). The sides are discussing a two-year deal that would pay the ACES client more than $10MM annually, reports Jeff Passan of ESPN (on Twitter). Should a deal come to fruition, he’d join 2021 rotation mate Anthony DeSclafani in returning to San Francisco. The Giants announced a three-year pact with DeSclafani just minutes before news of Wood’s near-agreement with the club broke.
Wood signed with San Francisco for a $3MM guarantee last offseason and more than made good on the club’s fairly small investment. The left-hander worked to a 3.83 ERA across 138 2/3 innings and 26 starts, taking on his heaviest workload since 2018. ERA estimators were even more bullish on his performance, as Wood posted a 3.48 FIP and a 3.60 SIERA that are both a fair bit better than his bottom line numbers.
The deceptive southpaw punched out 26% of batters faced this past season, a mark that’s more than three points north of the league average. That came on the strength of an above-average 12.5% swinging strike rate, with Wood generating plenty of whiffs on both his sinker and slider. While he doesn’t throw especially hard, he’s consistently proven capable of missing bats based on his combination of movement, command and atypical look for hitters.
That impressive profile has also enabled Wood to post robust ground-ball numbers. He typically induces grounders on around half the balls in play against him (the average for starters is just under 43%), and that was again the case this past season. Wood racked up worm-burners at a 50.8% clip, a top twenty mark among the 129 hurlers with 100+ innings pitched. It’s rare to find pitchers capable of pairing that kind of strikeout and ground-ball proclivities, and Wood also owns high-end control. The southpaw has never had a season with a walk rate north of the league average, and his 6.7% mark in 2021 was more than a point lower than the league figure.
There’s little question about Wood’s effectiveness. Since debuting in 2013, he’s yet to post a season in which he’s exceeded 40 innings with an ERA north of 4.00. That’s supported by the underlying numbers, with the Georgia native typically offering the production of a #2 or high-end #3 starter when he takes the mound. At his best, Wood is capable of posting All-Star caliber numbers. He even earned a Midsummer Classic nod with the Dodgers in 2017, and his 152 1/3 innings of 2.72 ERA ball that year earned him some down-ballot Cy Young support.
The bugaboo throughout his career has been health. While Wood tossed 361 1/3 innings between 2014-15, he’s struggled to log full rotation workloads in the years since. The southpaw has only twice eclipsed 150 frames in the past six seasons, and his 2019-20 seasons were largely derailed by back and shoulder issues. He combined for just 48 1/3 innings over that two-year stretch, and those issues seemed to have a pronounced effect on his performance. Despite his typically strong track record, his ERA over those couple seasons was just under 6.00.
Wood mostly stayed healthy in 2021, although his season debut was delayed a couple weeks by a minor back surgery. Nevertheless, injury and/or workload concerns have kept Wood from cashing in on a long-term contract to this point in his career. The former second-round pick turns 31 years old in January, and his rate performance would seemingly warrant a strong three or four year deal were teams confident in his ability to consistently log 150+ innings.
Instead, it seems he’ll land a two-year pact to return to the Bay Area. That’s shy of the three-year, $30MM deal MLBTR projected entering the offseason, although he’s seemingly in line to top that estimated average annual value. The Giants can certainly afford to take on that kind of eight-figure investment over the next two seasons. San Francisco currently has just $106MM in commitments for next season, in the estimation of Jason Martinez of Roster Resource. That number dips to $45MM in 2023, when only three players (Brandon Crawford, DeSclafani and Tommy La Stella) have guaranteed deals on the books.
The rotation has been a priority for president of baseball operations Farhan Zaidi, general manager Scott Harris and the rest of the front office. The need to rebuild the starting staff this offseason has been evident for a while now, as Logan Webb was the only one of San Francisco’s top five starters remaining under club control entering the day. DeSclafani’s return locks in a second member of that group, and Wood would have a spot lined up as well if/when his deal is finalized. Susan Slusser of the S.F. Chronicle reported this morning the club was also making a strong run at free agent Alex Cobb. It remains to be seen whether those talks will result in an agreement, but there’d certainly be room in the rotation and on the payroll for such a move.
Of course, it also stands to reason the Giants would still like to hammer out a long-term agreement with Kevin Gausman. While a Webb – DeSclafani – Wood trio would make for a solid top three, reinstalling Gausman behind Webb and knocking DeSclafani and Wood into the mid-rotation roles in which they thrived in 2021 would make San Francisco’s rotation one of the more formidable units in the league on paper. The front office has worked to retain as much of this year’s 107-win team as possible, signing Crawford, DeSclafani and likely Wood to multi-year deals and bringing back Brandon Belt via the $18.4MM qualifying offer.
Image courtesy of USA TODAY Sports.
Jeremy135
Is he good?
kingcong95
I’d rather have brought him back and let DeSclafani go.
The Mets "Missed WAR"
I think this is a bit too much for Wood. He has had only 2 good seasons in his career and both of those seasons involved him having injury problems. Every other season was destroyed by more injury problems. Maybe it was because of his delivery and maybe he changed that. I don’t know though. I was thinking 1 year $10 million max. Any multi-year contract with Alex Wood that pays his 8 digits a year is a risk. I like him. He has the stuff. I don’t think anyone would be shocked if Alex Wood doesn’t even pitch 50 innings over the span of this contract though. They should have kept him but I think they could have done it on a 1 year deal for a lower AAV if they had just been more patient. No one should ever trust this guy to stay healthy.
Pete'sView
Mets “Missed War” – Definitely a risk, but if he can be stretched out to say, 160 innings, and pitch like he did last year, I’ll trust Farhan & Harris.
Chipper Jones' illegitimate kid
I don’t know how you define “good” but he has 5 seasons of 25+ starts with a sub 4 ERA. That’s good in my book.
Cosmo2
I’d love for the Mets to be giving him this contract
Omarj
For $10 that’s solid. Not sure what he was expecting for $10 mil. Has he seen Patrick Corbin’s stats lately?
foppert
Absolutely. He is only going 5 innings under Kapler. Averaged around that this year.
Angry Disgruntled Sox Fan
Might be an overpay but he has a career 3.50 FIP. Can’t have just one good year to get that number.
The Mets "Missed WAR"
The word “starts” is meaningless. Even more meaningless than ERA or Wins. Everyone knows this guy gets injured all the time. You can count on it. The best case scenario is he has multiple trips on the IL every year and still pitches far fewer innings than most “starters.” Innings pitched. That’s an underrated stat. I’m no Phillies fan but Zach Wheeler got robbed.
JohhnyBets67
Mets Missed WAR
You always say things in the most drawn out repetitive way.
jeffers221
Gotta love getting personnel advice from a Mets fan.
Appalachian_Outlaw
@MissedWar- Dallas Keuchel tossed 162 innings of 5+ ERA ball, which goes to show innings pitched is partially tied to a manager’s philosophy with the hook. They can be framed in a way they’re devalued the same way you’re trying to devalue starts. I’m just not sure your point in doing it.
Alex Wood is a good pitcher. His injury history is why they got him for what they did. With his stuff, if he’s healthy most of his career, he’s probably a 25m/yr pitcher.
giantsphan12
Careful Steve.
Starscream
@Pete exactly.
Not every team (or player) has success in ‘unlocking potential’, but stacking several #3-types seems to be a viable approach to constructing a modern rotation. Last year’s Giants and BlueJays are prime examples.
When you consider the rise of relievers (openers, early-inning “leverage” guys, bulk relievers, etc), and the limiting factor of an ace-lever contract, this seems like a smart play.
Jean Matrac
“Missed WAR”:
It’s not a question of 2/$20M being a bit too much. It’s about what it takes to sign him. FZ is not going to pay more than he needs to. Wood is a guy that has pitched well for the Giants. If you’re going to draw the line at 1/$10M, you probably lose him to another team.
padam
Agreed. He’s one player I thought the spring signed. A better version of Matz and apparently willing to sign a two year deal.
Eric P
I don’t think the Gs expect him, or Cobb, to stay healthy all year. That is why they have been stockpiling depth the last couple of years.
$2.5M is a rounding error with the Gs resources. Considering how over-heated the market for SPs has been so far it really is not a big deal
Cap & Crunch
Yawn
UnbiasedFan13
I think the owners are locking players in before the cba changes the going rate for aav for pitchers
Chemo850
Stop smoking.
mister guy
getting the band back together today
crazybaseballgal
Lol
SoxRewl
They’re getting their Christmas shopping done early this year.
Just one rotation spot left to fill but it’s a doozy. Wonder if they’ll resign Gausman too.
BRUH.SF.BRUH
@sox one spot? I think they have two spots to fill yeah?
BRUH.SF.BRUH
@rox oh wait they signed Cobb also? Huh
DarkSide830
dont believe so yet
Pete'sView
I’m with BRUH SF BRUH, the Giants need two more starters, at least one of whom is a solid #1 and preferably the other a solid #2.
I think you’ll see FZ and Harris trade for some major-league ready prospect arms. (Which means at least one of our best prospects will go in the other direction.)
TonyGwynnSD19
Alex Wood? Another ‘B’ guy . Clearly, Farhan isn’t going to spend any real money on SF rotation arms
Brixton
He won 107 games with Logan Webb, a 1 year deal on Gausman and a bunch of scrubs
Giants74
@tonygwynn You hate the Giants. So, why do you care? The Giants won 107 games with him last year. Why not resign him?
implant
Dude Farhad runs laps around Preller. Not even close
JeffreyChungus
I had him and Desclafani going to Seattle on my FA prediction. RIP
Gmen777
Thought the Giants might re sign one of them not the whole gang?
Gmen777
Didnt mean the ?
JeffreyChungus
I had Gausman going back to SF. Thought FZ would’ve gone after more 1 year veterans like Cobb who aren’t reclamation projects per se but definitely have the stuff to be a whole lot better. Plus I figured Seattle would be more willing to outbid the field on pitchers given the front office expects them to contend despite their relative lack of rotation stability in light of subpar years from Gonzales and Sheffield + the uncertainty involved in relying heavily on prospects like Kirby and Hancock
Pete'sView
FletcherFan69 – I had Wood going to the Mariners, Cobb to KC & DeSclafani to the Giants.
Yankee Clipper
Are you kidding me?! Man, Cashman, please, for the love of all things baseball, do something. Giants just signed two adept SPs and we are “monitoring.” Ugh.
Yep it is
Cashman isn’t signing anyone that cheap. He is going to OVERPAY for anyone he brings aboard.
Central Valley
Farhan Zaidi isn’t waiting for Thursday, he’s already cooking!
Yankee Clipper
I know, right?
Cashman is constipated and Farhan just got Wood!
kobo77
I see what you did here…I am just hoping farhan didn’t get that wood at the disco yelling let’s go Brandons!!!
Eric D
I’m guessing 3 years/30-33M
Eric D
@JeffPassan
·
Left-hander Alex Wood and the San Francisco Giants are finalizing a two-year contract worth north of $10 million a season, sources familiar with the agreement tell ESPN.
.
Redsoxx_62
I was hoping the Red Sox would show some interest in Wood… too late now
Ully
Giants rotation is 2/5ths Alex
allweatherfan
I think we’ll see lots of deals between now and Nov. 30th.
mister guy
Alex wood, Alex cobb, Anthony desclafani – so here is my theory – farhan started calling guys from the top of the list alphabetically and they all answered.
Pete'sView
mister guy – Can I have Sandy Alcantara, please?
Or do I have call Fernando Abad?
MLB Top 100 Commenter
Adam Wainwright refused his call.
ltully789
It didn’t work last year with Aaron Sanchez
foppert
The boys want back in. Nice.
Here’s hoping Gausman has a bad case of FOMO.
HBan22
Jesse is that you?
foppert
Inspired by….
biffpocoroba
It makes you wonder what they’ve heard from Gausman’s side about him coming back.
Zaidi has now already filled in four rotation spots including Webb’s for less than the annual cost of signing Scherzer. So with that value work now being done, will Zaidi make the splash for a top-of-the-rotation guy?
Pete'sView
He has to. Webb might regress and we pretty much know what the others can do. Giants need to sign AT LEAST a #1 and even a #2 to steady this rotation, assuming there will be injuries along the way.
UnbiasedFan13
Robbie Ray. Gausman. Webb. Disco. Wood/Cobb.
Pete'sView
I just don’t trust Robbie Ray. He was lights out last year, but . . .his track record kinda sucks. To throw a huge contract (dollars and years) scares me. I was hoping for Verlander, but Gausman or Scherzer (probably resigns with Dodgers) or Luis Castillo (more of a #2 than an ace..
Jean Matrac
Pete’sView:
No one has been more critical of Webb than me. It drove me crazy the way he’d get ahead 0-2, then throw 3 straight easy takes, resulting in a walk or a hard-hit ball. His stuff was good, but he didn’t use it effectively.
Last season was different. I’d bet the farm that he doesn’t regress, because he’s apparently learned how to pitch. Entering his age 25 season, he’s young enough that he shouldn’t be losing velo, so I expect him to be even better going forward.
giant4life
Did FZ forget how to dumpster dive for pitchers like this?? One good year doesn’t warrant this much for him or Disco. Last year these guys were a deal, this year they are overpaid which was something I thought FZ didnt do. At this rate there won’t be any money left for any upgrades and we have to cross our fingers that these guys don’t regress back into the toilet where FZ found them a year ago
ChocoRolles
@giant4lhfe
Are you really saying Giants will not have enough money based on Desclafani and Wood? Lol check the payroll again.
giant4life
Yes. Let’s see who they bring in to upgrade the rest of the team but if it isn’t at least 2 big names then you lose. 2 big names means any of the following: Marte, Semien, Castellanos, Scherzer, Kershaw, Stroman, and I will even give you Chris Taylor but pretty sure none of those guys are coming and there will still be guys like you defending FZ’s cheap ass to the death
ABStract
Good god you sound like an f’ng brat
Change your name
ChocoRolles
@gianthater4life
Big names mean absolutely squat, look at the last 10 WS champions and about 70-80% of the teams won because of their farm system and players they developed. Big names don’t get you a WS. Ask the Yankees, Cardinals, Padres, and Phillies how that worked out for them?
Every take you share is terrible and shows your lack of baseball knowledge, but even worse the knowledge of the team you claim to root for. The only other guy that was as bad as you was @Pato349 who was also a FZ hater. Unfortunately for him, since the Giants did extremely well in 2021, he hasn’t showed his face around MLBTR.
Appalachian_Outlaw
Just because they pulled off the dumpster dive once doesn’t mean it’s a given, and pitching costs money. These are far from outrageous salaries, though. I’d take a breath. The Giants will be fine.
Pete'sView
Unfortunate, when the Dodgers paid $8.5 for Heaney they screwed the marketplace.
dezpoo
This is a pretty decent deal. Check comparable pitchers and FZ is really getting value on these deals so far. Hard to say but the fire sale after the new CBA is signed will really be eye popping.
giant4life
Only 2 pitchers in the last 5 years of their caliber were given deals this big. Teams don’t target mediocre starters anymore and they sure don’t overpay for them so why is this all of a sudden a solid strategy for FZ? He could have signed Gausman to a 2 year 30 million deal a year ago but instead he offered the QO for one year. Now he is giving multi years to guys who are late in their careers and likely will never be as good as they were last year! The Giants had one incredible year where it all came together but everything had to go right including these guys. Now we are going to bet on them to do it another 2-3 years but for over twice as much money?
Appalachian_Outlaw
Teams don’t target “mediocre” pitchers anymore? That’s news to me. I mean you almost need 7-8 starters to get through a year now, and some will be “mediocre” I assure you.
But Wood is a good SP. He’s always been a fairly good SP. This isn’t a type of deal that hinders the Giants ability to do other things.
ABStract
These “mediocre starters” just got us 107 wins and back into the playoffs for the first time in years, but sure, keep showing us all how little you know about baseball.
Everything you say is ridiculous nonsense and contradicts your username.
Stop posting
kobo77
Uhhhhhmmmmm………….. Gausman is older than wood……..by 6 days ok! Lmao
giant4life
I post what I want deal with it or go somewhere else to find friends
kobo77
Ha, So do I, see we have so much in common already my new friend, and I was being sarcastic if you couldn’t tell…but this is how one learns so you’re welcome.
Jean Matrac
giant4life:
Wow. You’re so eager to criticize FZ and the Giants that you talk out of both sides of your mouth. How many times have you complained that FZ was dumpster diving? Now you complain that he isn’t.
How do you know that FZ could have signed Gausman for 2/$30M? The answer: you don’t. You have zero credibility when it comes to the team you’re supposed to be a fan of.
claude raymond
Tad and everyone else, we need to STOP engaging with the TonyGwynn19 and Giant4life posters. Note I said “we”. I’m guilty too. Giant4life needs to stay with what he does best and that is Fantasy baseball. And TG19 is
just a tool. clearly. An OW of the nth degree
Jean Matrac
Claude:
I think you’re right. I had stopped responding to TG19, and I’m beginning to see that G4L is similar. I guess it took me a while to see that G4L’s posts made no sense, even if he didn’t purport to being a Giants fan. Him claiming to be one makes them even more nonsensical.
claude raymond
tad, he’s probably no more a Giants fan than TG19 is a Padres fan. If you and the actually large group of legitimate Giants posters post I try to engage. Sometimes I have decent takes and sometimes they’re lame. I don’t mind differing opinions as long as they make good logic.
So tad, a poster questioned why these signings first before a major starter gets signed. My belief is that management wants to send the message that pitchers want to still pitch for SF even with Posey gone. Many writers were curious if his absence would scare away pitching. Also Tad, how reluctant do you think FZ is to sign a player that turned down a QO? He really covets draft picks I think.
Big glove502
I think these deals were done first to have a firm grasp of what they can pay a couple bigger names. I’m thinking this opens up the pocket book to grab a Stroman, Chris Taylor or Castellanos. I can also see getting a Bundy , Duffy, or Smyly for the right price. The Giants model of career rivival plays well in this pitching market when you consider Teheran, Arrietta, Pineda and many others.
Jean Matrac
I don’t think there’s anything to read into the order that guys are signed. My guess is that DeSclafani, and Wood, were prioritized based on the fact that FZ knew these guys well, and since they both wanted to return, there was an ease in getting it done. I doubt he’d re-sign both only to send a message to other FA pitchers.
As to Cobb, maybe FZ had his eye on him for a while. Maybe Cobb expressed interest to FZ, through his agent, in playing in SF. I’m guessing an opportunity presented itself, and FZ jumped on it, but we don’t know. Plus we don’t know what FZ’s overall plan is.
I have no idea whether FZ is loath to part with a draft pick for a guy with the QO attached. I wouldn’t think so this time, since the Giants go 30th in the next draft. He does like his picks, but he has to know that the draft is a crapshoot, and an attractive FA has a track record, that is more dependable than a prospect projection.
claude raymond
I didnt think about being 30th. Deep farm systems provide trade fodder. Look for a trade(s)?
DarkSide830
should’ve just predicted half the FA SP group going to SF and would likely have gotten at least three right.
bigj
I say make an offer to Scherzer 3 yrs $80 million and see if they take it. If not, offer Gausman 3 years $63.
Appalachian_Outlaw
I’d say Scherzer gets 70m-80m over two years, so that offer probably comes up shy.
mattwild1
i’m sure Gausman is gonna get 4-5 years at this point. Can’t see why he’d be looking for anything less after the season he had
Magnet Salesman
Gausman, 3 for 63?? Are you serious? Dude is getting 5 and 100+.
WillSmith
Nice. Love wood.
phantomofdb
Damn, was hoping you’d post the free agents prediction leaderboard while I was still perfect. This isn’t who I guessed
phantomofdb
I just realized several guys have signed today… and I got them all wrong lol. Oh well
UnbiasedFan13
Left handed Starting Pitching is hard to find. He’s capable and knows the division.
Moonlight Graham
As 4th starter, he’s just fine. And Cobb makes for a decent 5th.
Now they just need an ace, whether that means bringing back Gausman, or going all out for Scherzer.
MLB Top 100 Commenter
I am a Cubs and Dodgers fan but I think SF is well run. You win 107 why not try to bring back your SPs. Wood and Tony is Gausman next to re-up?
mattwild1
I love Gaus, but i think some team (probably the Angels) is gonna WILDLY overpay him. I think Farhan suspects that as well
claude raymond
I agree, Matt
Tacoshells
Damn Farhans got Wood.
solaris602
I thought Wood was the least likely of the FA SPs to return, but he’s a lefty, and when healthy he does produce results. Games played by year since 2013 would indicate we can expect 30 or so GS in 2022, but beyond that is anybody’s guess:
2013 – 31
2014 – 35
2015 – 32
2016 – 14
2017 – 27
2018 – 33
2019 – 7
2020 – 9
2021 – 26
Brew’88
Very cool that they’re bringing back both Wood and DeSclafini, and Belt. Stability. And they have a ton of $ left to spend.
jswanny41
I wish the Braves never traded him
dodgersvictoryagain
His wife says he has good
dodgersvictoryagain
His wife says he has good Wood lol
kobo77
I really want to know how the Giants and ownership feel about payroll this off-season with how little they have committed again in 2023 and even roomier in 2024? Be mindful? Who cares about luxury tax and we are getting the guys we want and that want to be here? Wish they would give a clue about it unless I have missed one somewhere?
jints1
The Giants are going to avoid long term contracts. Do u see Tampa signing any players to long term contracts? It pays to be smart.
lumber and lighting
I was really hoping he would sign again with the Dodgers.Or jump over to the halos.2/20 if he gives you 25 starts it is a bargain 4 sure because Woods filthy and cares teams for stretches.Ask Dodgers
lumber and lighting
I was really hoping he would sign again with the Dodgers.Or jump over to the halos.2/20 if he gives you 25 starts it is a bargain 4 sure because Woods filthy and cares teams for stretches.Ask Dodgers
lumber and lighting
I was really hoping he would sign again with the Dodgers.Woods can be very nasty
UnbiasedFan13
I would love to see this coaching staff get their hands on Carlos Rodon. No qualifying offer so they wouldn’t have to give up a pick.. I believe a big need is an elite caliber lefty at the top of the rotation. We have one at the bottom in Wood. Robbie Ray? Rodon? Matz?
Pete'sView
Rodon is sooo injury prone. Not worth the gamble.
PutPeteRoseInTheHall
So was Wood coming into 2021. Struggled to stay healthy, but then the Giants signed him and he stayed pretty healthy, it seemed
to4
It looks like the Giants are moving fast !
I’m assuming next in line is Gausman. Not sure who’s next after that !
I believe Belt is also back as well. All that would be left to bring back, mainly, it’ll be Bryant! We also heard they’re involved in the Marte sweepstakes as well!
Pete'sView
Belt IS back. Doubtful Bryant will be.
PutPeteRoseInTheHall
Yes. I highly doubt Bryant will be back next season unless he signs for very cheap, which is very unlikely. The Giants were underwhelmed with Bryant
Datashark
Webb #1 or #2
Disco #4
Wood #5
possible: Cobb #5 (long relief too)
They better start going after some type of the rotation guys soon.
rec567
What’s happening with getting this deal done? It’s been days since the “rumor”.
solaris602
I was wondering the same thing just a couple minutes before the signing was official.
johndietz
That’s pretty cheap for the Angels not to resign him. They must know his injury problems aren’t going away Berjaya he pitched really well last year when not on the injured list
Jean Matrac
The Giants would have much better information on Wood’s health than the Angels would. Just because a pitcher signs with one team doesn’t mean other teams didn’t want, or try, to sign the guy. It’s a false narrative that gets repeated here over and over.
A more logical explanation is that Wood liked his time in SF. Things like the pitching coaches, facilities, and comfort, not just the contract, play a big part in where a pitcher signs.
claude raymond
Dietz must’ve been posting about Cobb not Wood.
RJStereo
I figure they still make a run at a marquee arm AND bat. A Castellenos replaces Posey’s bat, but it doesn’t replace his game management ability.
Also, possibility that Ramos comes up this year?
Tacoshells
Awesome ! I’m glad the giants got this done.
al080991
Wood went to college in Georgia, he is from North Carolina.
tedtheodorelogan
Still need a Stroman or a Rodon. They have 4 starting pitchers on the 26, two of which are injury prone, and basically no depth. Beede is a total bust.
jints1
If Rodon is willing to take a short-term contract, go after him. Stroman wants too many years.
Eric P
probably the 5th (and 6th?) starting pitcher(s) will come via trade. Would be awesome if they could get Montas, but it may end up being Bassitt and S. Gray
foppert
Great news. Theres 4/5 of a rotation set for at least the next 2 years. I like the 2-3 year 10-12m per annum deal for starting pitching. Just seems like a nice balance. I’d take one more of those over a marquee arm. Those marquee contracts that marquee players get tend to always bite you. Not sure the Giants have had one in recent times where they can look back at the end of it and say “well that was a win”
jints1
The Giants needed Wood. Given the contracts pitchers are getting, he is a bargain. If he can produce like last year, the Giants will be happy. It is obvious that FZ is not going to fall into the trap of signing a pitcher to a long term contract. We were happy with Cueto and Jeff S. but, in the long run, we did not reap the necessary dividends. Those that ignore history make the same dumb mistakes.
Redwolves3
Guess Zaidi will continue to do nothing meaningful until the CBA is finalized and a new contract is signed. Until then Giants fans have to wait and hope Zaidi has a real plan.
foppert
Speak for yourself. For some fans, the only “real plan” is what they think should happen. Reminds me of the old sports coach/manager adage….as soon as you start listening to the fans, it won’t be long before you are sitting with them.
giantsphan12
@Redwolves, make no mistake, Zaidi has a plan. It may not be a plan you like, but he’s got one. While I too have felt underwhelmed with the less-than-exciting additions of our SP rotation, it’ll be interesting to see how the deals for Gaus, Scherzer and Ray turn our for their new clubs. As much as I was gunning for a dopamine hit from a marquee signing, I’ll bet that these three deals don’t age well. I’ll bet that before the Giants break camp that we have a new #1-2 SP, a big right handed bat in LF and maybe an everyday 2nd baseman. Z’s on it. Just you wait and see!!
Jean Matrac
giantsphan12:
I’d tempered those expectations if I were you. There isn’t really much left out there for FA SPs. The Reds supposedly will listen on Castillo, but they’re asking for the moon.
There aren’t any FA 2B better than La Stella IMO. And unless they re-sign Bryant for LF, Castellanos seems like the only real upgrade. He seems more like a DH, which they might need should it come to the NL, but if it does, Castellanos will be in high demand.
Datashark
Giants Staff:
Webb #1
PTBNL #2
Disco #3
Wood #4
Cobb #5
possible stop gap starters: Beede, Long, Kazmir, Hjelle, (Frisbee, Hildenberger)
They will need RP with multiple innings experience as #3-5 may not see much past inning 5
nentwigs
MISSED IT BY THAT [ = ] MUCH !!
According to informed sources, The Marlins were in on Alex Wood right up until he signed the deal to join the Giants.. The Marlins made a “strong” offer, but not one that matched the Giants’ financial commitment. The Marlins weren’t the only team to be outbid.
The Minnesota Twins had also been linked to Wood.
Spare Tire Dixon
DeSclafani, Webb, Cobb, Wood. Do they go hard after another top SP or focus on another bat? Castellanos seems like a good fit for a power bat.
Mickey#7
hmmmm Giants got wood 🙂