Here’s a refresher on the Giants’ offseason dealings

March 13th, 2022

With a new Collective Bargaining Agreement in place, the Giants can officially resume offseason business and focus on filling the remaining holes on their 2022 roster.

President of baseball operations Farhan Zaidi and general manager Scott Harris addressed some of the club’s most pressing needs before the lockout began on Dec. 2, but they still have a few things to take care of ahead of Opening Day.

Here’s a primer on where things stand for the Giants as they prepare to defend their National League West title.

What deals have already gotten done?
San Francisco prioritized rebuilding its starting rotation earlier this offseason, re-signing Anthony DeSclafani (three years, $36 million) and Alex Wood (two years, $25 million) and adding newcomers Alex Cobb (two years, $20 million) and Carlos Rodón (reportedly two years, $44 million) to establish a solid veteran core around emerging ace Logan Webb.

The Giants also retained first baseman Brandon Belt, who accepted a one-year, $18.4 million qualifying offer to stay in San Francisco, and exercised club options for infielder Wilmer Flores ($3.5 million) and lefty reliever José Álvarez ($1.5 million). San Francisco declined Johnny Cueto’s $22 million club option, making the veteran right-hander a free agent.

What are the biggest remaining needs, and who might they target to fill these holes?
With Buster Posey retiring at the end of the 2021 campaign, the Giants could use another right-handed power bat to help balance their lineup, which currently skews left-handed. They could pursue a reunion with utility man Kris Bryant, though Japanese outfielder Seiya Suzuki and slugger Nick Castellanos are two other intriguing possibilities.

Which of their free agents have already signed elsewhere?
All-Star starter Kevin Gausman, who signed a five-year, $110 million deal with the Blue Jays, is the most notable loss for the Giants thus far. San Francisco was expected to have interest in re-signing Gausman, but the veteran right-hander said the club never made him an offer.

Bryant, Johnny Cueto, Donovan Solano and Tony Watson remain free agents, with Bryant the most likely candidate to possibly re-sign.

What outstanding arbitration cases are on the docket?
The Giants tendered contracts to four arbitration-eligible players -- outfielders Mike Yastrzemski and Darin Ruf, catcher Curt Casali and right-hander Dominic Leone -- in November, but their 2022 salaries have yet to be determined. According to MLB Trade Rumors’ projected arbitration salaries, Yastrzemski is estimated to earn $3.1 million in 2022, followed by Ruf at $2.6 million, Casali at $2 million and Leone at $1.5 million. If they can’t come to an agreement with the Giants, they’ll exchange salary figures for possible arbitration hearings.

How many open spots are there on the 40-man roster?
The Giants currently have 39 players on the 40-man roster, meaning they have room for at least one more offseason addition.

San Francisco created space on its roster by releasing Alex Dickerson and non-tendering right-hander Sam Delaplane, left-hander Joe Palumbo and outfielder Luis González earlier this offseason.