How Giants should address starting rotation after frustrating 2023 approach – NBC Sports Bay Area & California

Throughout the 2023 MLB season, the Giants’ starting rotation remained inconsistent, mirroring the team’s overall performance during the season.

There were instances when San Francisco utilized only two true starting pitchers in their rotation, leading to frequent bullpen games and displaying an unhealthy situation.

As the Giants approach a crucial offseason, President of baseball operations Farhan Zaidi expressed their objective to upgrade the top half of the roster to regain playoff contention in 2024, specifically targeting elite starting pitching.

Below is an assessment of the Giants’ current rotation and the likelihood of each pitcher being part of the team’s plan for next season:

Locks

Logan Webb: Given his status as the staff leader and a finalist for the NL Cy Young Award, Webb is a guaranteed presence at the top of the rotation, regardless of off-season acquisitions. Expect him to start on Opening Day as a key anchor for the team.

Alex Cobb: Although secured as part of the Giants’ rotation next season, Cobb, who was an All-Star in 2023, will likely move down the pitching order upon his return from offseason hip surgery, as the team pursues top-tier arms in the off-season.

Looking good

Kyle Harrison: The rookie demonstrated his potential during the last season and is expected to play a substantial role in the Giants’ rotation in 2024, potentially making 20 to 25 starts.

Ross Stripling: After opting into the final year of his contract, Stripling, who had a challenging last season, may earn a spot in the Giants’ back-end rotation based on his track record as a starter.

Depth options

Tristan Beck: Despite minimal starts last season, Beck’s versatility and solid performance position him as a consideration for a traditional pitching role in 2024, subject to further evaluation.

Keaton Winn: Similarly, Winn’s performance dictates his depth option status for the 2024 rotation, impacting his potential to be a mainstay in the starting lineup based on his experience.

Time to move on

Anthony DeSclafani: Given his previous injuries and a performance downturn, DeSclafani’s role in the Giants’ rotation is uncertain, potentially making him a spring candidate for assignment or serving as an additional depth option for the season.

Reflecting on the past season, the Giants faced challenges due to a lack of reliable pitching options, leading to frustrations among key stakeholders. However, the organization is poised to address these issues, aiming to establish consistency and reliability for 2024.

Furthermore, as the Giants pursue an aggressive off-season plan to enhance the rotation, future prospectives appear promising, extending the anticipation for a more competitive performance in the upcoming season.

Lastly, it remains to be seen which premier pitcher the Giants will secure, with the overall off-season moves contributing to an intriguing proposition for fans and stakeholders.

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