SF Giants offseason: ranking the 40-man roster

MLB free agency is right around the corner, and it’s an exciting and chaotic time for the San Francisco Giants. In anticipation of this period, I’ve decided to do something impossible: rank the likelihood of all the players on the team’s 40-man roster staying on it. It’s important to note that this ranking is not based solely on players’ abilities, but also takes into account factors like contract status, positional importance, depth chart position, and trade value.

To make things easier, I’ve divided the 44 players into 14 tiers. Each tier, except for one, consists of at least two players. Let’s dive into the tiers!

Tier 14: Can we interest you in a Minor League deal?
44. Roberto Pérez
Roberto Pérez is unlikely to stay on the 40-man roster due to the Giants’ current catchers and his age. While he made an impression last year, it’s doubtful that he’ll receive a guaranteed deal as a 35-year-old catcher with limited playing time in the past few seasons. A Minor League deal might be possible for depth purposes.

Tier 13: So long, friends
43. Alex Wood
42. Brandon Crawford
41. Joc Pederson
Alex Wood and Brandon Crawford are unlikely to return to the Giants. Wood has shown disinterest in staying, and the front office seems uninterested in keeping him. As for Crawford, his future with the team is uncertain. Joc Pederson, who seemed like a potential return candidate, is now highly likely to leave. The Giants aren’t likely to pursue another platoon designated hitter in the near future.

Tier 12: These players would be good on the Giants but they won’t be on the Giants 40.
40. Jakob Junis
39. Scott Alexander
Both Jakob Junis and Scott Alexander are better than people think, but they’ll enter free agency. While they could contribute to the Giants, there’s no real need to sign them given the team’s surplus of relievers/spot starters.

Tier 11: You’re probably opting out, aren’t you
38. Michael Conforto
37. Sean Manaea
This tier might be controversial, as many believe Michael Conforto and Sean Manaea will opt to stay. However, it’s important to remember that the majority of players will likely remain on the Giants’ roster come February. Even if we assume a 25% chance of them opting out, they still rank among the most likely players to leave. Conforto may explore the thin outfielder market, and Manaea could be swayed by the fact that he played under a new manager for the first time in 2023. Ultimately, the Giants are indifferent to Manaea’s decision.

Tier 10: Probably nervous every time the phone rings
36. David Villar
35. Joey Bart
34. Sean Hjelle
Contrary to popular belief, the Giants value every player on the 40-man roster. However, time may be running out for players like David Villar, who struggled in the Majors and Minors. Casey Schmitt and Tyler Fitzgerald have surpassed him in the team’s estimation. Joey Bart, with his value as an above-average defensive catcher, may be traded due to his lack of options. As for Sean Hjelle, he’s likely to stick around with his versatility and optionability.

Reference

David Rodriguez

David Rodriguez brings the excitement of Major League Baseball to readers. With a deep appreciation for America’s pastime, he covers the latest MLB news, scores, and player achievements, keeping fans up to date with their favorite teams and players.