Free agent right-hander Ken Giles is planning to throw live bullpen sessions for interested clubs on Friday, reports Jon Heyman of the New York Post.
Giles previously held a showcase for clubs in February and then threw in front of Padres officials at that club’s Arizona complex shortly thereafter, but a deal didn’t come together and he remains unsigned. Heyman notes that Giles has spent the past five weeks working out with Driveline, the data-driven biomechanics company, at their Arizona facility.
The 32-year-old Giles has been one of the most dominant relievers in baseball at times in his career but has been dealing with some challenges recently. From 2014 to 2019, he pitched for the Phillies, Astros and Blue Jays, posting a 2.67 ERA in that time while racking up 114 saves. He struck out 33.3% of batters faced while issuing walks at just a 7.5% clip.
He was only able to make four appearances in 2020, ultimately requiring Tommy John surgery that wiped out his 2021 season. He signed a two-year deal with the Mariners that covered 2021 and 2022, with the club knowing the first year of that deal would be dedicated primarily to rehabbing the surgery. He made five scoreless appearances for the M’s last year but walked 22.2% of the batters he faced. His 94.8 mph fastball velocity was a few ticks below the 97-99 mph range he managed in previous seasons. He was designated for assignment in August, elected free agency and signed a minor league deal with the Giants but was released about a week later.
Despite that rough stretch, a healthy Giles should garner interest, especially if the work with Driveline did anything to get him closer to his previous form. When he was last able to pitch for an extended stretch in 2019, he posted a 1.87 ERA for the Jays while striking out 39.9% of opponents against an 8.2% walk rate. With various clubs throughout the league dealing with pitching injuries and the trade deadline still a few months away, taking a flier on Giles might be intriguing for clubs that could use a boost in the bullpen.
He could give a contender’s bullpen some much needed punch.
If the punch reaches at least 97mph
Or at least a slap.
Chris Young should be there.
Couldn’t agree more. Healthy Giles would mean they can stop trotting out the likes of Yerry Rodriguez and/or Ian Kennedy.
No more Kennedy, but replace his name with John King’s
Just here for the punch related comments. 🙂
Ken Giles has around 75 million reasons to have the showcase.
It’s data-driven, Ace. Don’t forget that.
He’s all about the data. See the #8?
Why is 6 afraid of 7?
Because 7 8 9.
Kenny, welcome back to Lehigh!
Didn’t Zach Britton hold 3 showcases in the off-season and still remains unsigned? This might be Giles’ last shot.
Every team should be taking a gander, you can never have enough bullpen arms, especially with how erratic bullpen arms be year to year.
Headcase Whack-job. Don’t trust pitchers who punch themselves in the face (or start punching the mound) when things don’t go as planned.
You guys won’t let a one time thing go will you? When did he ever do anything like that ever again? When did he ever do that prior? The punching jokes are old and tired but expected from a bunch of couch potato’s who don’t even play the game.
SMACK! “Stop that, Ken!”
SMACK! “Ken, stop that!”
SMACK! “Stop that, Ken!”
SMACK! “Ken, stop that!”
Spotted Giles’ wife’s burner account. Or possibly his mother’s. I understand the sentiment, I would do the same if he was my husband or son. Er, ,I mean wife. Nevermind
Hmmm. Maybe Angels for a minor league deal and see how he does.
More showcases than the average Price is Right episode.
Guy’s gonna destroy MLB and NPB (World Champions) hitting. I could see him raking up 200 saves this year, even if he doesn’t play in anymore than 162 games.
Padres should be all over him. With Odor and Giles on the team they would have the greatest 1-2 Punch in baseball.
Yo Farhan, your entire bullpen is straight trash other than Doval and Tyler Rodgers. Maybe take a look.
If he looks like crap in the showcase, they’ll take him.
It’s showcase slash bbq@ agents house, only way to get teams 2commit, warmup starts @2pm promptly, byob
I will be holding my own showcase for various media blogs and websites in the coming days.
The Mets need more arms since none of their pitchers can stay healthy. I wonder what kind of contract he is seeking?
Twins should take a chance on him.
Braves could use him
Agree. Kirby Yates is reclaiming his old self nicely. We’ll have another.
Anyone know if they serve snacks at these showcase? Adult beverages?
Giles should make sure they’re serving surf and turf with Kenny G providing the entertainment during the entire event.
I think a team should take the risk in signing him. A lot of pitchers out there that are not doing well. And a lot of teams that can definitely use some help. Might as well give this guy a chance at a low cost and experienced.