Giants Face Tough Decisions Ahead
The San Francisco Giants find themselves at a critical point, and ESPN Insider Buster Olney believes they can’t afford to stay idle.
In a conversation with Willard and Dibbs on 95.7 The Game, Olney emphasized that the Giants must act decisively, even though they have hefty contracts that complicate matters.
“You have to be aggressive. You have to be bold,” Olney mentioned. He warned against entering the next season with the mindset of merely hoping for improvement compared to last year.
However, that’s easier said than done. Olney pointed out that league executives consider the Giants to be essentially “stuck” with players like Matt Chapman, Rafael Devers, and Willie Adames.
While some fans have suggested trading these key players, the situation is undeniably complicated. Devers has a massive long-term contract, and both Chapman and Adames hold no-trade clauses, giving them a degree of control over their careers.
Even if the Giants wanted to make a trade, finding a suitable partner would be challenging given the players’ disappointing performances and contracts. Olney believes the upcoming trade deadline could be particularly tough for the team.
Chapman, at 33, has four years remaining on his contract worth $25.17 million per season. Devers, 29, has seven years left at $28.5 million annually, while Adames, 30, is tied to a five-year deal worth $31.14 million per season.
Chapman, a five-time Gold Glove winner, has a batting average of .231 with two home runs, 21 RBIs, and a .647 OPS over 60 games.
Devers has managed a .246 average with seven home runs, 30 RBIs, and a .716 OPS in 61 games, splitting time between first base and designated hitter.
As for Adames, he has played 60 games, posting a .245 average with nine home runs, 24 RBIs, and a .721 OPS.
The team seems caught in a tug-of-war between different timelines. It’s unclear whether the Giants’ leadership sees these players in their long-term vision, but the club’s struggles signal that change is necessary.
Despite the difficulties, Giants president of baseball operations Buster Posey remains in his position. Reports indicate that Posey stated he is “in no danger” of being dismissed, suggesting his earlier successes make him hard to fire.
If the Giants decide to sell, they might concentrate on veterans with expiring or short-term contracts. Starting pitcher Robbie Ray could draw interest from playoff contenders, and hitting champion Luis Arraez might also create a strong market.
While these moves wouldn’t overhaul the roster entirely, they could help enhance organizational depth and create some flexibility for the future.
The larger issue lies with existing contracts. Unless Chapman, Adames, and Devers can turn things around significantly, the Giants might enter the offseason once again hoping for internal growth—a scenario Olney believes is risky.
