2020 finish: 29-31, 3rd in NL WestÂ
Key additions: Alex Wood (FA LAD), Anthony DeScalfani (FA CIN), John Brebbia (FA STL), Toy La Stella (FA OAK), Jake McGee (FA LAD), Aaron Sanchez (FA), Scott Kazmir* (FA), Kevin Gausman (re-sign)
Key subtractions: Sam Coonrod (trade PHI), Trevor Cahill (FA PIT), Drew Smyly (FA ATL), Tony Watson (FA PHI)
The 2020 Giants had some nice surprise performances. Mike Yastrzemski burst into the scene in 2019 and carried that over into 2020. Alex Dickerson also had a nice 2020. Buster Posey did not. He opted out of the 2020 season. Kevin Gausman had his best season. Johnny Cueto has dealt with injuries most of his Giant career, but finally put together a healthy season last year, and it wasn’t a great one. Will the 2021 team put up Giant numbers?
Evan Longoria is dealing with plantar fasciitis this spring. This is something that needs to be watched as this type of injury can flare up at any time. While Longoria isnât the MVP caliber player he once was early in his career, he is still a good player. Heâs hit at least 15 home runs since coming to San Francisco. Should he not be ready for opening day, Tommy La Stella would likely start at 3B. The Giants signed La Stella to a 3 year contract and will likely be a nearly everyday player despite not having a set position. He will likely see most of his time at 3B and 2B. While heâs not at 2B, Donovan Solano, who has really come on as of the past couple seasons will be the main starter. While he was in Miami from 2012-2016, he didnât really do much. He bounced around between the Yankees and Dodgers, but never appeared for them, before signing with the Giants. In 2019, it was his first major league action since 2016. He has seemed like a totally different hitter. While not a lot of pop, he has hit with a lot of average. Had he qualified, he would have won the batting title in 2019. In 2020 he finished 5th in the NL in average and won the Silver Slugger at 2B. At both short and first, you have the Brandonâs: Crawford & Belt, mainstays for many years for the Giants. Crawford is entering his walk year and is two years removed from an all star selection. While heâs entering his age 33 season, he can still give you about 10 home runs. Brandon Belt is also entering his walk year. He has been inconsistent in past years due to injuries, however the past 2 seasons he has been able to stay relatively healthy. He even garnered some MVP votes, finishing 16th in the NL after hitting 9 home runs, 30 RBI, and a career best .309 average. Behind the dish, Buster Posey returns to the Giants for 2021 after opting out last year. He entered camp looking healthy and ready to go. He is currently hitting .250 in 12 ABs. He is no longer the big time producer he was about 5 years ago. Hit hitting skills seems to have diminished. Health has also been an issue, only playing in 105 games in 2018 and 114 in 2019. If he needs time on the injured list, top prospect Joey Bart would likely handle the main catching duties.
In the outfield, the Giants are planning to go with Alex Dickerson, Mauricio Dubon, and Mike Yastrzemski. Dickerson had arguably his best season last year and should be able to replicate it as the likely cleanup hitter. Dubon is normally a shortstop, but with Crawford still there, theyâre moving him to center. He has been hitting the cover off the ball so far this spring hitting .364. Debuting in 2019, he is a career .274 hitter. You could look for him to post similar numbers. Then in right field you have probably the best hitter currently on the Giants, Mike Yastrzemski. For those that arenât familiar with the Giants, you likely recognize his name. Yes, thatâs Hall of Famer Carl Yastrzemskiâs grandson. Baby Yaz debuted in 2019 and has really taken off. Heâs older, 30 now so he wonât likely have a long career, but for however long it is, he will be productive.
Projected lineup via Fangraphs
Tommy La Stella 3B
Mike Yastrzemski RF
Donovan Solano 2B
Alex Dickerson LF
Buster Posey C
Brandon Belt 1B
Brandon Crawford SS
Mauricio Dubon CF
Giants pitching staff certainly has some familiar names but I think this will be the x-factor for the 2021 season. Cueto is a shell of his former self. I think he concentrates too much on his wiggle delivery to try to deceive the hitters. He should eliminate the wiggle and concentrate less on the wiggle and more on throwing strikes. Kevin Gausman returns to the Giants after accepting the $18.9M qualifying offer. Personally, I think thatâs a massive overpay and not sure why the Giants even offered it to him to begin with. He did have his career best season last year so maybe the Giants see something in him they really like. The rest of the rotation will be filled by newcomers Anthony DeScalfani, Alex Wood, and Aaron Sanchez. Sanchez missed all of 2020 due to shoulder surgery from late in the 2019 season after he was traded to the Astros. He has yet to appear in a spring training game but is scheduled to pitch a simulated game today. DeScalfani and Wood should both provide valuable innings but not much should be expected from them overall.
Projected rotation via Fangraphs
Johnny Cueto
Kevin Gausman
Anthony DeScalfani
Alex Wood
Aaron Sanchez
Closer by committee
Prospects you should know
Marco Luciano – a high profiled shortstop who has shot up the ranks. Potential superstar that could move to 3B or a corner outfield position.Â
Joey Bart – had a little taste last year, but with Posey back, heâs likely back in the minors for a bit. Catcher of the future for the Giants
Worst Case Scenario – They are just your average team. Pitching doesnât do well. Likely 4th place finish.
Best case scenario – I think they are average at best. I donât think they will compete for a playoff spot in 2021. Middle of the pack.
My prediction: 4th place in NL West
