The San Francisco Giants remain one of the more interesting MLB clubs to watch once the offseason hits. They'll have about $45 million coming off the books after 2015, which will give them the opportunity to fill some holes in their roster.
Due to concerns and impending free agencies in the starting rotation, previous rumors have focused on the Giants' potential endeavors in that market. They were linked to David Price and Cole Hamels before the trade deadline, but were unable to strike a deal for one of the marquee names.
However, they do need to address their current outfield situation, which lacks power and continuity. Is San Fran primed to chase perhaps the most coveted position player in the offseason?
"There is speculation within other organizations that the Giants could be among the teams to pursue Yoenis Cespedes, although the slugger might have priced himself out of San Francisco's comfort range with his strong performance since the trade deadline," writes ESPN Insider Buster Olney.
Cespedes, 29, said over the weekend he will be seeking a six-year deal once he hits the open market. Rumors indicated his deal could reach up to $175 million because of his unprecedented stint with the New York Mets. He's enduring a mini slump right now, but is still batting .284/.332/.634 with 36 runs scored, 17 home runs and 42 RBIs in 46 games with New York.
It's no secret the Giants need some more power in their lineup. With the absence of Hunter Pence for most of the year, the Giants ranked 27th in the MLB with 123 home runs. If not for big campaigns from Brandon Crawford (19 home runs, .765 OPS) and Brandon Belt (18 home runs, .834 OPS) the Giants would have been significantly lacking in the power department.
As for the others in the outfield, Nori Aoki will be a free agent and it's unclear if he'll return to the Giants after his injury-filled season, especially since he has a $5.5 million team option for 2016. Additionally, Marlon Byrd will be a free agent unless the team opts to pick up his $8 million option for next year.
But again, let's not forget about the rotation. Outfield is a deep position and the team could opt to fill their vacancies out there without breaking the bank.
With Madison Bumgarner, Matt Cain, Jake Peavy and Chris Heston returning next season, not only is there a need for a fifth starter, but there's also concern regarding stability atop the rotation. Cain and Peavy were not healthy this season, which is problematic heading into 2016.
"The Giants also are shedding a lot of money from a payroll that was at about $173 million next season with the contracts of Tim Lincecum, Tim Hudson and others [Ryan Vogelsong] expiring," Olney adds. "This should give them the flexibility to make other needed changes, and according to sources, their focus will first be on tinkering with their pitching."
The fact that they were interested in Price and Hamels means they could be more willing to spend big money for starting pitching.
Nonetheless, they could look to re-sign Mike Leake to avoid having to pay an excessive amount for top starters such as Price, Zack Greinke, Johnny Cueto (if his health/performance holds up), Jordan Zimmermann, Jeff Samardzija, Scott Kazmir and others.
Such a move would open the door for Cespedes, but the Giants could be hesitant if his value exceeds something reasonable in their eyes. After all, they didn't seem concerned letting Pablo Sandoval walk last offseason, so they'll likely have the same approach with a player who has absolutely no ties to their organization.
