Three reasons Giants will be attractive MLB free-agent destination

Three reasons Giants will be attractive MLB free-agent destination originally appeared on NBC Sports Bay Area

Contrary to popular belief, the Giants will be an appealing choice for MLB free agents this offseason. San Francisco is heading into a crucial offseason and is poised to make significant improvements to their lackluster roster in order to re-energize their frustrated fanbase.

Unlike the New York Mets, the Giants don’t flaunt their deep pockets and willingness to spend exorbitantly in free agency. However, they are not afraid to push their payroll to the edge of the competitive balance tax while offering mega-deals to marquee players.

As free agency commences, let’s explore three compelling reasons why the Giants will be an attractive destination for even the biggest names in baseball.

Desire for Success and Willingness to Spend

The Giants have heard and understand the frustrations of their fans over the past two seasons. Although the team has been competitive at times, they have fallen short of the championship expectations associated with the orange and black. However, despite appearances, the organization has never opted for a complete rebuild over the past decade. Their commitment to winning is unwavering.

While the Giants have to maintain financial stability, they have also demonstrated a willingness to invest significantly in recent years. They absorbed over $250 million of Giancarlo Stanton’s contract from the Miami Marlins in 2018 and have made offers exceeding $300 million to Bryce Harper, Aaron Judge, and Carlos Correa. The Giants have a reputation and legacy to uphold as an organization, and they will continue to field a competitive team each season.

Although they are not without flaws, the Giants are determined to ensure long-term success.

Promising Young Core

The Giants’ success during their three World Series championship runs between 2010 and 2014 was largely due to their homegrown core of talented players such as Buster Posey, Madison Bumgarner, Tim Lincecum, Brandon Crawford, Brandon Belt, and Matt Cain. While the current group of homegrown youngsters may not rival that iconic core, an exciting new core is emerging.

The team’s strong farm system and commitment to player development are factors that attract free agents. Behind the plate, the Giants have Patrick Bailey, a franchise-caliber catcher with impressive defensive skills. Alongside the pitcher-friendly environment of Oracle Park, this could be an enticing combination for free-agent pitchers. Additionally, Logan Webb and Kyle Harrison lead a promising starting rotation, supported by potential cornerstone players like Thairo Estrada, Marco Luciano, Tyler Fitzgerald, Casey Schmitt, and Luis Matos in the major leagues and more prospects in the system.

Despite the underwhelming 2023 season record, the Giants made significant strides in player development. This winter marks the first in a long time where the organization can confidently plan for the future.

A Starved Fan Base

The Giants are still in search of a superstar around whom they can build their roster. While they missed out on signing one last offseason, the organization’s decision, in hindsight, proved beneficial in the long run. However, that doesn’t diminish the sting felt by fans.

It’s important to note that Carlos Correa did choose to sign with the Giants, bringing excitement to the city of San Francisco and expressing a desire to make it his home. The fan base fully embraced him during that time. Another opportunity to secure a superstar will come, and when it does, that player will be adored and welcomed by one of the most passionate fan bases in baseball. The Giants don’t need a roster stacked with superstars to attract free agents like Bryce Harper, Aaron Judge, or Shohei Ohtani. Rather, the Giants become their team.

There is value in helping build something new with an organization. As long as the foundation is strong, which is the case for the Giants, free agents don’t always require an obvious household name on the roster to be convinced to join a team.

By signing with the Giants, players become the face of the franchise, embraced by the city.

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