Right-hander Corbin Burnes entered this offseason as the top rotation option available in free agency. However, with last night's reported agreement between the Yankees and Max Fried, Burnes now stands as the only ace-level pitcher remaining on the open market. This position should strengthen Burnes' chances of exceeding MLBTR’s projected seven-year, $200 million contract.


While the Boston Red Sox reportedly made a formal offer for Burnes yesterday, Mark Feinsand of MLB.com characterized the Blue Jays and Giants as the “most aggressive” teams in their pursuit of the star pitcher. Feinsand also noted that the Red Sox appear hesitant to spend at the level necessary to land Burnes.


Toronto, considered the “favorite” to sign Burnes, has been active in the free-agent market this winter. They recently agreed to terms with right-hander Yimi Garcia and traded for infielder Andres Gimenez and righty Nick Sandlin from the Guardians. These moves helped address the bullpen and infield, but the rotation remains a priority. The Jays traded lefty Yusei Kikuchi at the deadline, face the potential free agency departure of Chris Bassitt next winter, and saw Kevin Gausman regress last year. Given these needs, adding a top-of-the-rotation arm like Burnes makes sense.


Similarly, the Giants have a significant gap in their rotation after losing southpaw Blake Snell to the Dodgers. While San Francisco has been active in the upper levels of free agency in recent years, they may face financial challenges. Rumors suggest the Giants might scale back payroll this winter, making it difficult to sign Burnes. Sources told Feinsand they were skeptical about San Francisco outbidding Toronto if the Jays are determined to secure Burnes.


Interestingly, Feinsand’s report highlights the Red Sox's apparent pessimism as a suitor for Burnes. Despite their plans to be aggressive this offseason, particularly in pursuit of front-of-the-rotation arms, the Sox may be hesitant to invest heavily in Burnes. With Fried and Snell off the market, Burnes is the last clear ace available. If they miss out, the Red Sox could pursue a reunion with right-hander Nick Pivetta, though his 4.29 ERA over five seasons doesn't fit a front-of-the-rotation profile.

The San Francisco Giants remain committed to utilizing Jordan Hicks as a starting pitcher, according to baseball operations president Buster Posey. Despite finishing the past season in the bullpen, the 28-year-old right-hander is poised to re-enter the rotation in the upcoming season.


Hicks joined the Giants last winter on a four-year, $44 million free agent contract, transitioning to a starter role after previously serving primarily as a reliever. His initial performance showed promise, with a 2.70 ERA over 12 starts through the end of May. This early success positioned Hicks as a potential reliever-to-starter success story, similar to pitchers like Seth Lugo and Michael King.


However, Hicks faced challenges as the season progressed. His velocity decreased steadily, dropping from an average of 95.6 MPH on his sinker in April to 93.4 MPH by July. This decline in velocity was accompanied by a dip in performance, resulting in a 5.24 ERA in June and nearly a run per inning allowed in July.


By the end of July, the Giants decided to move Hicks back to the bullpen, where he performed more effectively in shorter stints. Unfortunately, his season was further impacted by shoulder inflammation, leading to his placement on the injured list. Hicks concluded the year with a 4.10 ERA over a career-high 109 2/3 innings, reflecting an up-and-down season overall.


Despite these hurdles, the Giants' commitment to Hicks as a starter indicates their belief in his potential to contribute significantly to the rotation. With a renewed focus and the offseason to address any lingering issues, Hicks could bounce back and solidify his role as a key starting pitcher for San Francisco.

Despite the San Francisco Giants not actively shopping hard-throwing righty Camilo Doval this winter, there's significant interest in his services from teams around the league, as reported by Susan Slusser of the San Francisco Chronicle.


Doval, 27, remains an intriguing trade candidate even after a challenging 2024 season. The right-hander was an All-Star in 2023, leading the National League in saves and delivering another excellent season as the Giants' closer. However, 2024 was a different story, with Doval struggling with inconsistency throughout the year. His uneven performance led to a brief stint in the minors in August, and upon his return, right-hander Ryan Walker took over the closer role. Overall, Doval posted a 4.88 ERA and a 3.71 FIP last season, with a strong 28.8% strikeout rate overshadowed by a hefty 14.4% walk rate.


Despite the difficulties of 2024, Doval's talent is undeniable. Entering the year, his career numbers were elite. Over 162 1/3 innings across three seasons with the Giants prior to 2024, Doval recorded a 2.77 ERA and a 2.97 FIP, striking out 30.2% of batters and walking 9.6%, while tallying 69 saves. Additionally, Doval excels at inducing ground contact, boasting a career 55.2% grounder rate, which ranks fourth among all relievers with at least 200 innings over the past four seasons. Even in his down season, he generated grounders at a 60% clip, good for seventh among qualified relievers.


Given these impressive career stats and his ability to generate grounders, it's no surprise that Doval is attracting strong interest from other teams. While the Giants may not be actively looking to trade him, the level of interest could prompt them to consider offers as the offseason progresses.

When it comes to making a splash in the free-agent market, the San Francisco Giants have not shied away from opening their wallets. Here are the five richest free agent signings in the team's history, each reflecting a strategic move to strengthen their roster.

1. Willy Adames (2024) - Seven-Year, $182 Million
Buster Posey's inaugural major move as the Giants' president of baseball operations was a blockbuster deal with Willy Adames. The seven-year, $182 million contract signed in 2024 set a new franchise record, surpassing even Posey's own player extension. Adames, known for his robust defense and power at the plate, fills a critical need at shortstop, bringing top-tier talent and a proven track record to San Francisco. This signing underscores the Giants' commitment to building a competitive team for the future.

2. Buster Posey (2013) - Nine-Year, $167 Million Extension
Before transitioning to an executive role, Buster Posey was the cornerstone of the Giants' lineup. In 2013, the Giants rewarded Posey with a nine-year, $167 million extension, the largest contract in franchise history at the time. Posey's leadership and consistent performance behind the plate were pivotal in the Giants' three World Series championships (2010, 2012, 2014). This deal not only secured Posey's services but also affirmed his legacy as one of the Giants' all-time greats.

3. Barry Bonds (1992) - Six-Year, $43.75 Million
In 1992, the Giants made a historic move by signing Barry Bonds to a six-year, $43.75 million contract, making him the highest-paid player in baseball at the time. Bonds' arrival in San Francisco marked a turning point for the franchise. His unparalleled power-hitting and electrifying presence transformed the Giants, culminating in seven MVP awards and breaking the all-time home run record. Bonds' tenure with the Giants left an indelible mark on the team's history.

4. Aaron Rowand (2008) - Five-Year, $60 Million
The Giants aimed to bolster their outfield defense and add veteran leadership by signing Aaron Rowand to a five-year, $60 million contract in 2008. Rowand brought a reputation for gritty play and strong defense to San Francisco. While his tenure with the Giants was mixed in terms of on-field performance, Rowand's signing demonstrated the team's willingness to invest in experienced players to enhance their roster depth and stability.

5. Carlos Beltrán (2005) - Seven-Year, $119 Million
The Giants' acquisition of Carlos Beltrán on a seven-year, $119 million deal in 2005 was a bold move to secure one of the premier sluggers in baseball. Beltrán's versatility and power made him a coveted free agent. Although his time with the Giants was brief and interrupted by injuries, the signing underscored the franchise's ambition to compete at the highest level by attracting top-tier talent.

Conclusion
​These significant free-agent signings highlight the Giants' commitment to building competitive teams and their willingness to invest in top talent. Each player brought unique skills and contributions to the franchise, shaping its success and legacy in the MLB. As the Giants continue to evolve, their history of bold signings remains a testament to their dedication to excellence.

The San Francisco Giants have reportedly agreed to a landmark seven-year, $182 million contract with shortstop Willy Adames, according to MLB.com's Mark Feinsand. The team has yet to officially confirm the deal.

This contract is the largest in Giants history, surpassing the $167 million deal signed by Buster Posey in 2013. Posey, now the president of baseball operations for the Giants, is overseeing this significant addition to the roster.

Adames, who celebrated his 29th birthday on September 2, entered free agency after arguably his best season yet. He achieved a career-high 4.7 Wins Above Replacement (WAR) according to FanGraphs, placing him among the top 20 position players in Major League Baseball and fifth among shortstops, trailing only Bobby Witt Jr., Gunnar Henderson, Francisco Lindor, and Elly De La Cruz.

Durability proved to be one of Adames' greatest assets, as he started an MLB-high 161 games at shortstop for the Brewers in 2024. He batted .251/.331/.462 with 32 home runs and 112 RBIs, both career highs. Additionally, he stole a career-high 21 bases with an impressive 84% success rate.

Adames also demonstrated significant improvement in his offensive game, bouncing back from a subpar 2023 season. Since his MLB debut with the Tampa Bay Rays in 2018, Adames has consistently delivered with a .248/.322/.444 slash line and 20-plus home runs in each of his five full MLB seasons. His 140 home runs since 2019 rank second among shortstops, just behind Francisco Lindor.

Defensively, Adames has been reliable, earning a career +20 Outs Above Average (OAA) according to Statcast. Though his defensive performance slightly declined in 2024, his overall skills remain strong.

Born in Santiago, Dominican Republic, Adames began his professional career with the Detroit Tigers in 2012. He was acquired by the Rays in 2014 as part of the trade that sent David Price to Detroit and quickly rose to prominence as a top prospect. He was later traded to the Brewers in 2021, where he continued to excel.

Despite flying under the radar with no All-Star appearances or major awards, Adames' impressive 18.1 fWAR since 2019 ranks seventh among all shortstops, highlighting his consistent contribution to the game.

​The Giants' acquisition of Adames signals their commitment to building a competitive team and aiming for success in the coming years.

The San Francisco Giants have made significant additions to their front office, appointing former general manager Bobby Evans and ex-agent Jeff Berry as special advisers. These strategic hires come under the leadership of the Giants' new president of baseball operations, Buster Posey.

Evans, who first joined the Giants in 1994 as an administrative assistant, rose through the ranks to become general manager in April 2015. His tenure as GM saw both successes and challenges, but he was ultimately relieved of his duties in September 2018 following back-to-back losing seasons.

Jeff Berry, who spent an illustrious 26-year career at Creative Artists Agency (CAA) and co-headed CAA Baseball before his departure in June, is another notable addition. Berry, a former agent, represented Posey during his time at the agency, bringing a wealth of experience in player management and negotiations.

In addition to Evans and Berry, the Giants have appointed Hadi Raad as the new director of pro scouting. Raad has a solid track record, having served as Miami's professional scouting director from 2019-2022 and as Pittsburgh's professional evaluation team leader from 2023-2024. His previous stints with the New York Yankees and Texas also highlight his extensive expertise in scouting and player evaluation.

Pike Goldschmidt has been named the director of baseball strategy. Goldschmidt joins the Giants after spending eight seasons with the Oakland Athletics, where he was the director of baseball development since January 2023. His role will involve crafting and executing strategies to enhance the team's performance and player development.

​These additions mark a new chapter for the Giants as they aim to blend experienced leadership with innovative approaches. Under Posey's direction, the team is looking to build a strong foundation for future success.

The San Francisco Giants face a challenging situation if they sign free agent Ha-Seong Kim, as they would be without a shortstop until Kim recovers from shoulder surgery. Enter Matt Chapman.

The Giants' third baseman has expressed his willingness to move to shortstop temporarily until Kim's return, providing a creative solution for the team's roster reshuffle. According to sources briefed on their discussions, Chapman, who turns 32 in April, has limited experience at shortstop—only 16 games as a collegian and professional, including four with the Oakland A’s in 2020-21. However, his reputation as one of the game's top defensive third basemen suggests he could handle the position change, at least temporarily.

If Chapman moves to shortstop, the Giants have several options for third base. Tyler Fitzgerald could step in, or the team might utilize Casey Schmitt, an excellent defender who batted .311 with a .991 OPS in 49 plate appearances against left-handed pitching last season. David Villar is another potential option until Kim is healthy enough to take over shortstop duties, allowing Chapman to return to his natural position. Chapman’s team-first approach is one reason the Giants signed him to a six-year, $151 million extension in September. His willingness to adapt also highlights the influence of Buster Posey, the team’s new president of baseball operations, who has received praise from agents and executives for his effective leadership.

Kim, 29, underwent surgery in October to repair a small tear in the labrum of his right shoulder. While the exact timeline for his return is uncertain, he is expected to miss at least the early part of the season, potentially extending to the entire first half.

The Giants are actively exploring all available options to strengthen their pitching and defense. Beyond Kim, they are considering shortstop Willy Adames and right-hander Corbin Burnes among others. Burnes, who attended Saint Mary’s College in the Bay Area, is a favorite of new Giants general manager Zack Minasian, who was the Milwaukee Brewers’ pro scouting director during Burnes’ tenure.

​In summary, the Giants are demonstrating innovative thinking in their approach to roster management, with Matt Chapman's flexibility offering a temporary solution until Ha-Seong Kim's return. This strategic planning reflects the organization's commitment to maintaining competitive edge and addressing challenges head-on.

The San Francisco Giants are making a significant addition to their coaching staff by hiring Oscar Bernard as an assistant hitting coach, as reported by Andrew Baggarly of The Athletic on Bluesky. Bernard will collaborate closely with lead hitting instructor Pat Burrell in his new role.

Bernard, 41, brings a wealth of experience from his time with the San Diego Padres. During the 2023 season, he served as an assistant hitting coach under manager Bob Melvin. Following Melvin's move to the San Francisco Giants, Bernard returned to a minor league hitting coordinator role in San Diego for the current year. His tenure with the Padres includes a stint as a hitting coordinator from 2016 to 2022.

​Bernard's career also features significant work with minor league hitters in the Texas Rangers and Chicago Cubs organizations. His extensive background in player development and hitting instruction is expected to enhance the Giants' offensive strategy and player performance.

The New York Yankees and San Francisco Giants are among several teams reportedly interested in signing Willy Adames, as noted by Mark Feinsand ofMLB.com.Adames, regarded as one of the market's top shortstops, has also garnered interest from the Houston Astros, Philadelphia Phillies, Toronto Blue Jays, Atlanta Braves, and Boston Red Sox this offseason.

For the Yankees, their primary focus remains on re-signing star outfielder Juan Soto. The decision on whether Soto will remain in the Bronx or accept a massive $600 million-plus offer elsewhere is expected within the next few days. Should Soto choose to leave, both owner Hal Steinbrenner and GM Brian Cashman will face significant pressure to secure top-tier talent from the remaining pool of free agents.

Adames and Alex Bregman are seen as the next-best position players available, with potential contracts in the $150-200 million range. While Bregman might fit more naturally position-wise, lingering tensions from his involvement in the 2017 sign-stealing scandal could deter the Yankees. Adames, on the other hand, comes without such baggage and might be a more appealing option.

​Despite Anthony Volpe's strong defensive presence at shortstop, the Yankees are considering Adames, who is open to changing positions if necessary. The infield is otherwise unsettled, with Jazz Chisholm Jr. potentially playing second or third base. Current third base options like DJ LeMahieu, Oswaldo Cabrera, and prospect Caleb Durbin might not be sufficient for a team aiming for World Series contention. Adames' athleticism and arm strength suggest he could transition effectively to third base, despite limited experience at the position.

The San Francisco Giants have been linked to several prominent free agents this winter, and it appears Corbin Burnes is the latest name on their list. According to MLB.com's Mark Feinsand, the Giants "are believed to have significant interest in Burnes." San Francisco joins the Blue Jays, Red Sox, Yankees, and Burnes’ former team, the Orioles, as clubs vying for the right-hander.

MLB Trade Rumors projects Burnes to land a seven-year, $200 million deal, marking him as the top pitcher on the free agent market. Signing Burnes at such a price would be a bold move for a Giants club reportedly looking to reduce payroll. Last season, the Giants’ Opening Day payroll was approximately $208.1 million, while they currently have around $154.8 million committed for 2025. Trading players like Mike Yastrzemski, Camilo Doval, LaMonte Wade Jr., Taylor Rogers, or Tyler Rogers could free up additional funds. As things stand, the Giants have room to sign Burnes at an average annual value of $28.5 million and still add more talent before reaching their previous payroll levels.

Despite the talk of budget constraints, the Giants have not been acting like a team planning on limited spending. They've shown interest in major free agents like Willy Adames and now Burnes, and even checked in on Juan Soto's availability. Ha-Seong Kim and Tomoyuki Sugano are also on their radar. Notably, the Giants secured Matt Chapman with a six-year, $151 million extension before free agency began.

Buster Posey, reportedly involved in the Chapman negotiations before becoming the team’s new president of baseball operations, has indicated a more aggressive approach in landing top-tier talent. Signing Burnes or Adames would help dispel the notion that the Giants cannot attract star free agents.

​Burnes has strong West Coast ties, hailing from Bakersfield, California, and playing college ball at Saint Mary’s College of California in Moraga, near San Francisco. On the field, Burnes would seamlessly fill Blake Snell’s role as the ace, joining Logan Webb to form a formidable one-two punch. Kyle Harrison and Robbie Ray would shift down in the rotation, providing the Giants flexibility in deciding their fifth starter. Prospects like Landen Roupp, Hayden Birdsong, Mason Black, Keaton Winn, or top prospect Carson Whisenhunt could compete for the spot, or Jordan Hicks might be given another shot at a starting role.

The Los Angeles Dodgers kicked off their offseason by doing what they do best: signing a major star to a huge contract, much to the chagrin of fans from other teams. This week, they added free agent pitcher Blake Snell to their roster with a $182 million deal, reinforcing their rotation with another ace.

Addressing a Key Weakness
This significant move addresses a critical concern for the Dodgers – starting pitching depth, which was a major issue during the 2024 season and playoffs due to injuries. The team struggled to maintain a healthy pitching staff, and the addition of Snell is a strategic effort to prevent similar issues next season.

Bolstering the Rotation
Snell’s arrival, along with the return of Shohei Ohtani to the mound post-Tommy John surgery, adds substantial talent to a rotation that already includes Tyler Glasnow, Yoshinobu Yamamoto, Clayton Kershaw, and other high-potential arms. If everything goes as planned, this could be the best starting rotation in baseball on paper.


More Moves Possible
There’s also speculation about the Dodgers pursuing Roki Sasaki, further bolstering their roster. However, it's worth noting that pitching plans often don’t go as expected, especially given the Dodgers' recent injury history.

Injury Concerns Remain
Nearly every starting pitcher on the Dodgers’ staff has faced significant injury issues. Ohtani has undergone two Tommy John surgeries, and Snell has only exceeded 24 starts in a season three times. Glasnow’s durability is also a question mark, having never started more than 22 games in a season. Additionally, Kershaw, Dustin May, and Bobby Miller have all had their share of recent issues.

Prepared for Uncertainty
​Given these concerns, it’s likely that some of these pitchers will miss time or be limited next season. The Dodgers’ strategy to counter this is clear: acquire as many quality pitchers as possible. Fortunately, the Dodgers have the resources to make high-end acquisitions, and they seem determined to build a formidable rotation

San Francisco Giants legend and long-time shortstop Brandon Crawford has officially announced his retirement. In a heartfelt post on his personal Instagram account, Crawford expressed his gratitude and excitement for the next chapter of his life. The Giants have also announced that they will honor Crawford at their game on April 26, when they host the Texas Rangers, managed by Crawford's former skipper, Bruce Bochy.

Reflecting on a Dream Come True
"Growing up in the Bay Area and going to games at Candlestick, I always dreamed of playing for the San Francisco Giants," Crawford shared. "Being drafted by my hometown team and spending most of my career with them far surpassed any dream I had as a kid. I definitely pretended to win a World Series in my backyard – but winning two? That was beyond my wildest dreams." He also expressed his gratitude to the Giants organization, the Cardinals, his family, coaches, teammates, fans, and everyone who supported him throughout his career.

A Storied Career
Crawford's journey is the epitome of a childhood dream realized. Drafted by the Giants in the fourth round out of UCLA in 2008, he witnessed the team win the World Series in 2010, although he was still in the minor leagues at the time. Crawford made his major league debut in May 2011, making an immediate impact with a grand slam in his first game. Despite a challenging rookie season, where he hit .204/.288/.296 in 66 games, Crawford's career continued to flourish.

Legacy and Impact
Crawford's dedication and performance on the field have cemented his status as a Giants legend. From his debut grand slam to his two World Series titles with the team, Crawford's contributions to the Giants will be remembered by fans and teammates alike.

​As the Giants prepare to celebrate Crawford's remarkable career, his legacy will continue to inspire future generations of players and fans

Losing Blake Snell is undoubtedly a tough blow for the San Francisco Giants, but losing him to their longtime rivals, the Los Angeles Dodgers, adds salt to the wound. With Snell's departure, the Giants are left with a significant void in their pitching rotation that they must fill. Fortunately, several high-quality starting pitchers remain on the free-agent market, and the Giants are eyeing the top of that list.

Giants' Interest in Corbin Burnes
According to MLB.com's Mark Feinsand, the Giants have shown "significant interest" in Corbin Burnes. However, securing Burnes will require more than the reported five-year, $182 million contract that Snell received. Burnes, being younger and having a more consistent track record of durability, is expected to command a deal worth over $200 million.

"Given Snell’s contract – which will ultimately be worth between $160-165 million in present-day value taking the deferrals into account – there’s no reason to think that Burnes’ deal won’t be worth more than $200 million," Feinsand wrote.

Competition for Burnes
The 30-year-old Burnes has attracted interest from several clubs. The Athletic's Ken Rosenthal recently reported that Burnes had a meeting with the Boston Red Sox. The Baltimore Orioles have also been linked to Burnes, though they may look to address their starting rotation needs through trades. One NL executive told Feinsand that the Orioles are "the team to watch" for White Sox left-hander Garrett Crochet.

​As the offseason progresses, the Giants will need to act quickly and decisively to fill the gap left by Snell. With significant interest in Burnes and other top pitchers, they are poised to make a strong move to bolster their rotation for the upcoming season.

The San Francisco Giants have reached an agreement on a minor league contract with catcher Max Stassi, as initially reported by Aram Leighton of Just Baseball and subsequently confirmed on Stassi'sMLB.comtransaction log. The deal is expected to include a non-roster invitation to big league camp.

Stassi, who hasn't played in the majors since 2022, began the 2023 season on the injured list due to a left hip issue. His situation became more complicated when he was transferred to the restricted list to address a family matter. The Stassi family announced that their son was born prematurely and required extensive care in the NICU.

The past offseason saw Stassi traded twice—first from the Los Angeles Angels to the Atlanta Braves, and then to the Chicago White Sox in a series of salary-driven transactions. The White Sox planned to use him as their backup catcher, but he reaggravated his hip injury, leading to season-ending surgery in June. The White Sox ultimately opted for a $500,000 buyout instead of a $7.5 million option, ending Stassi's tenure with the team without him playing a single game.

Stassi's last fully healthy season in 2022 was disappointing, as he posted a .180/.267/.303 slash line over 375 plate appearances. This was a stark contrast to his impressive performance in 2020-21, when he hit .250/.333/.452 and was considered an above-average defensive catcher. His strong showing during those years earned him a $17.5 million extension from the Angels in Spring Training 2022, but his performance declined soon after.

​Now aiming for a fresh start with the Giants, Stassi will look to prove he can return to his form from a few years ago and contribute to the team's catching depth.

While former Giants general manager Pete Putila was the visible face of last year's efforts in South Korea, it was Zack Minasian who played an equally crucial role in securing a deal with Jung Hoo Lee. As the organization's vice president of pro scouting before following Putila as GM, Minasian spearheaded the Giants' pursuit of international stars like Lee and Yoshinobu Yamamoto.

During his visit to South Korea, Minasian was impressed by Lee’s blend of speed, base running acumen, power, and bat control. Yet, what stood out most was Lee's evident joy in playing the game. "I gravitated towards how much he liked playing," Minasian shared on the Giants Talk podcast. "To watch the fan base go crazy for him daily was fun to watch. I love seeing energy up the middle, so when you have a center fielder, a shortstop, a catcher—those players that have a presence—it tends to spill over to the rest of your positional players. I think that's what he brings."

Unfortunately, the Giants didn’t get to fully experience Lee’s potential last season due to a shoulder injury that sidelined him just 37 games into his debut. Despite this setback, the Giants remain optimistic that Lee's 2025 season will not be affected. Minasian confirmed this, stating, "Everything is going great. He's starting to swing soon and is feeling healthy. He's going to have a normal offseason, and we're just looking forward to seeing him in spring training."

Lee is expected to be pivotal as Buster Posey and Minasian aim to turn the team around quickly. The hope when Lee signed last December was that he would excel as a leadoff hitter and center fielder. While his rookie season was nearly wiped out by a collision with the center field wall at Oracle Park, Lee made the best of his situation by attacking the rehab process and using the time to adjust to Major League Baseball and life in the United States.

In late September, Lee noted that adjusting to the time difference between San Francisco and his home country was one of the biggest challenges. On the field, the quality of pitching stood out to him during his first month in the lineup. Despite these challenges, Lee used his time in the dugout to acclimate to MLB by closely observing the games and imagining himself in the outfield.

"Just watching a lot of games in the dugout helps you naturally get the feel of Major League Baseball," Lee said through interpreter Justin Han. "I would always put myself in the same situation as the outfielders and think to myself, what would I have done if I was in that kind of situation?"

The Giants have no concerns about Lee's shoulder, and they are clear about his role. They view him as a top-of-the-order threat and enter the offseason confident about their center field position. Minasian mentioned that the front office remains open-minded about additional outfield acquisitions. Still, with Lee, Heliot Ramos, and Mike Yastrzemski (assuming he is tendered a contract), they feel confident in their options.

While Ramos emerged as the breakout outfielder in 2024, the expectation is that next season will be Lee's turn to shine. Minasian, who took long flights to scout Lee, is confident that better days are ahead. "Something else from getting to know him last year was how much he took to our city, our ballpark, the organization, and just really seemed like he enjoyed every day and considered it a privilege to be a Giant, which I think is great," he said. "I certainly feel like it's a privilege, and to see our players feel that way is something I'm proud of."

​As the Giants prepare for the upcoming season, all eyes will be on Jung Hoo Lee, who is poised to make a significant impact on the field and help lead the team to new heights

The San Francisco Giants have made key additions to their 40-man roster, selecting right-handed pitchers Carson Seymour and Carson Ragsdale to protect them from the upcoming Rule 5 draft. This move ensures that these promising talents remain with the organization.

To facilitate these additions, the Giants utilized their existing roster vacancy and created another by designating right-hander Kai-Wei Teng for assignment.

Carson Seymour:Seymour has shown considerable promise in the minors, known for his strong fastball and developing secondary pitches. His performance has made him a valuable asset for the Giants' pitching staff.

Carson Ragsdale:Ragsdale has been impressive with his ability to strike out batters and maintain control on the mound, positioning him as another potential future star for the Giants.

Impact of the MoveThe decision to add Seymour and Ragsdale highlights the Giants' commitment to nurturing their young talent and strengthening their roster for the future. At the same time, designating Kai-Wei Teng for assignment underscores the challenging decisions teams must make to balance their rosters.

​With these strategic roster changes, the Giants are poised to develop their promising young pitchers and enhance their depth as they look ahead to the coming seasons. Fans can look forward to seeing how these players progress and contribute at the major league level.

The San Francisco Giants are set to revamp their farm system under new leadership, as the club announced on Thursday the hiring of former outfielder Randy Winn as the vice president of player development. This move signals a significant step forward in the organization's efforts to strengthen its Minor League system, which was ranked No. 23 in MLB Pipeline’s latest evaluations.
​
Winn, 50, is expected to work closely with Kyle Haines, the senior director of player development, who will continue in his current role. Together, they will focus on enhancing the Giants' Minor League operations and fostering the next generation of Giants talent.

“I’m extremely grateful to [president of baseball operations] Buster [Posey] and to the Giants' organization for this opportunity to lead our player development group and help usher in the next wave of future Giants stars,” Winn said in a statement. “I look forward to collaborating with both Buster and [general manager] Zack [Minasian], and the entire baseball operations team to help this organization that has meant so much to me reach its ultimate goal of a World Series championship by helping lay the groundwork with homegrown talent that embodies the values of Giants baseball.”

Winn's connection to the Giants runs deep. A graduate of San Ramon Valley High School in Danville, California, and Santa Clara University, he spent five of his 13 Major League seasons with the Giants. From 2005-09, Winn compiled a .290/.345/.432 slash line over 666 games with San Francisco. After his playing career, Winn returned to the organization, serving as the roving outfield and baserunning instructor from 2013-16 and later as a special assistant to former GM Bobby Evans from 2017-18. He transitioned to a pro scouting role in 2019, working under Minasian, who was recently promoted to GM. Winn also shares a history with Posey, having played alongside him for a brief period when Posey was called up to the majors in 2009.

“We are excited to see Randy in this new role,” Posey said in a statement. “Randy is part of the Bay Area’s rich baseball history and brings a deep knowledge and understanding of the game from his playing and post-playing career. He has also been dedicated to serving the youth of our community through his work and leadership with the Giants Community Fund, and we feel Randy is the right person to help take our player development to the next level.”

The Giants' farm system has recently produced a wave of promising young players, including Heliot Ramos, Tyler Fitzgerald, Hayden Birdsong, and Landen Roupp. However, the organization currently has only two representatives on MLB Pipeline’s Top 100 prospects list: first baseman Bryce Eldridge (MLB No. 35) and outfielder James Tibbs III (MLB No. 88). This underscores the importance of bolstering the Minor League system to ensure a steady pipeline of talent for the future.

Winn's extensive experience in player development and scouting positions him well to lead this effort. As the Giants strive to develop homegrown talent and achieve their ultimate goal of a World Series championship, Winn's leadership will be instrumental in guiding the organization towards success. The Giants and their fans can look forward to a reinvigorated approach to player development under his stewardship, with the hope that it will yield a new generation of stars embodying the values of Giants baseball.