Catchers
Jim Clarke paced the catching corps with a .741 OPS, 111 wRC+ and 2.6 WAR, while Dane Cook slumped to a 67 OPS+ in limited reps. Clarke’s bat outweighed average defense (–4.3 framing) and his advanced age. At 35, locking him into four years at $15 million annually ($60 million total) is a steep gamble. Instead, the Giants are more likely to extend the one-year Qualifying Offer—cheaper than his $28.4 million 2057 salary—retaining his bat without long-term risk. Cook offers depth but no sizable commitment is warranted.
Infield
Jamie LaFerney struggled to sustain impact, posting a –0.1 WAR, .715 OPS and 96 OPS+. His .241/.310/.404 line in 91 games and below-average defense (–3.3 framing) undercut any offensive upside. Juan Magana, despite missing four months with a hamstring injury, produced a 1.5 WAR, .756 OPS and 114 OPS+ in 64 games. His on-base skills (.336 OBP) and power (.420 SLG) make him a clear everyday option when healthy, but durability remains a question.
Ernesto Pantoja missed five months yet delivered 2.1 WAR, a .509 SLG and 138 OPS+. His elite bat and switch-hit versatility solidify him as a core piece if healthy. Pantoja is QO eligible, and looking for a six-year $149m contract. While owner Quivers wanted him extended, the QO is the likeliest route for Pantoja after missing such a long part of the season.
Beau Wartel blossomed into a 3.1 WAR stud, leading all infielders with a 164 wRC+ and .955 OPS over 99 games, though his 50% stolen base success rate hints at risk. Juan Mendoza offered minimal pop and a 59 OPS+ over 65 games. Jorge Arizmendi regressed badly in limited duty (–0.3 WAR, .430 OPS).
Steve Boyd anchored third with 3.5 WAR, a .809 OPS and 121 OPS+ across 154 games. His bat played above average but the Giants will want to shore up his –3.8 ZR and below-average range. Alexis Vargas provided a useful spark in spot duty (0.5 WAR, .758 OPS). Boyd is entering his final year of arbitration and the Giants will likely offer a one-year, $10.3m contract. A longer term extension is possible, but the Giants would like more from 3B longer term.
Joel Hudson’s 2.1 WAR came alongside a weak .643 OPS and 77 OPS+ over 144 games. His plus defense (7.6 ZR) and baserunning provided value, but the lineup needs a stronger left-handed bat at the keystone.
Nelson Loera played a lot in volume (154 games) but managed only a 0.8 WAR, .696 OPS and 91 OPS+ as most of his time was at DH. He showed plate discipline (8.6% walk rate) but lacked impact power.
Outfield
Gianvito Heaton anchored left with a 4.5 WAR, 141 wRC+ and .884 OPS across 144 games. His 40 homers and 102 RBIs paced the lineup, and solid defense (6.0 ZR, 1.86 RNG) complemented his power. The Giants will extend a one-year contract for his final arbitration year and might look at a (slightly) longer extension despite his less than desired contact skills. Mike Moffitt, before a season-ending injury, slashed .330/.398/.563 with a 166 wRC+ and 1.4 WAR in 40 games. His contact skills and burst of power suggest he can handle a platoon role upon return, though durability remains a concern.
David Rojo provided stability in center: 2.9 WAR, 103 wRC+ and 24 homers over 135 games. His above-average range (4.4 ZR, 2.76 RNG) and 17 steals (85 SB%) added value despite a modest .302 OBP. Jaquan Willie struggled through 77 games, posting a –0.3 WAR, .590 OPS and wide defensive gaps (2.0 ZR); it is unlikely the Giants will offer him an extension. Dan Kisiel’s 17-game cameo (.206/.229/.382) offered no assurance of bridge-to-Moffitt.
Frank Calleja delivered 1.6 WAR and a 105 wRC+ in 106 starts before missing five weeks. His .329 OBP and 28 doubles anchored the middle of the order, while plus arm strength (6.2 ZR) bolstered run prevention. While his durability remains a concern, the Giants have no concerns about a $3m one year contract as he enters his arbitration years. Tyrese Yeboah’s 35 games yielded a .671 OPS and minimal defensive value, confirming he’s not yet MLB-ready and the Giants will hope for development over the offseason to provide some much needed cover for Calleja’s injury habit.
Early 2058 Projections
C Jim Clarke
1B Juan Magana
2B Ernesto Pantoja
3B Steve Boyd
SS Joel Hudson
LF Gianvito Heaton
CF David Rojo
RF Frank Calleja
DH TBC
C TBC
IF Beau Wartel
IF Jamie LaFerney
OF Tyrese Yeboah
OF TBC
Trade / Non-Tendered
Jorge Arizmendi
Jaquan Willie
TBD
Dane Cook
Nelson Loera
Juan Mendoza
Alexis Vargas
Mike Moffit
Dan Kisiel
Starters
Jorge Ramirez emerged as the staff ace over 193 innings, posting a 2.61 ERA, 5.8 WAR and 69 FIP-. He led the NL in ERA, and was top three in both Strikouts (215) and WAR (5.8). He struck out 10.0 K/9, walked just 2.7 BB/9 and allowed 0.6 HR/9. Ramirez’s combination of swing-and-miss dominance and stingy home run rates cements a front-of-the-rotation role. Ramirez is arbitration eligible with an expected $6.5m salary for 2058. The Giants are interested in a long term extension but Ramirez’ expectation of $32.5m per year is wishful thinking.
Juan Montoya anchored the staff with 177.2 innings, a 4.31 ERA and 2.4 WAR. His balanced 8.0 K/9 and 3.5 BB/9 drove a 99 FIP-, while 0.9 HR/9 demonstrated solid homer control. Montoya’s durability and fair run prevention make him a trustworthy third starter.
Ha-joon Kim delivered 165.2 innings in 32 starts with a 4.13 ERA, 1.3 WAR and 110 FIP-. He combined 8.1 K/9 with elite homer suppression (1.1 HR/9), yet his 4.7 BB/9 kept him mired in league-average territory. Kim’s consistency and length project him as a reliable mid-rotation arm if he can rein in the walks.
Amari Pappillion made 32 starts, totaling 169.1 innings, a 3.83 ERA, 2.1 WAR and 102 FIP-. His elite 1.0 HR/9 and 7.9 K/9 contrasted with a 3.3 BB/9. Pappillion’s knack for limiting damage and eating innings slots him as a steady mid-rotation fixture.
Kymani Devezin logged 118.1 innings over 25 starts, posting a 5.55 ERA and 0.6 WAR. His 10.0 K/9 underscored swing-and-miss stuff, but control (4.4 BB/9) and homer susceptibility (1.5 HR/9) inflated his 115 FIP-. Durable but below-average, Devezin needs tighter command and better home run prevention to solidify a top-five rotation role.
Kymani Libbett impressed in 35.1 innings before a five-month injury layoff, racking 8.2 K/9, 2.3 BB/9 and a 5.09 ERA. His 108 FIP- hints at solid underlying skills despite limited volume. Libbett’s upside remains high if he can stay healthy and refine his consistency, but with a wrecked profile, that is a big if.
Andy Frederick missed the whole season through injury but is looking for $32m for one year to return. The Giants are not going to guarantee that so unless an incentive based contract can be agreed, Frederick will hit free agency.
Bullpen
The Giants’ relief corps combined for a collective 6.8 WAR, anchored by elite swing-and-miss stuff, stout homer suppression and a deep mix of multi-inning arms. Top tier performers kept opponents off the scoreboard, while depth arms provided crucial length. A handful of inconsistent profiles and a late-season injury return leave rotation competition wide open in 2058.
Greg Brinson (45 G, 45.2 IP) emerged as a lockdown multi-inning weapon. His 62 FIP- and 2.56 ERA came on 13.2 K/9, 4.1 BB/9 and just 0.4 HR/9. Seven holds and 11 high-leverage appearances showcased his versatility, making him arguably the bullpen’s most dominant arm.
Luis Chucha was an in season acquisition who should compete for a closer role in 2058, having recorded 35 saves for the Cubs before his trade.
Ricky Eggett (53 G, 56 IP) is the incumbent with 36 saves of his own, a 2.1 BB/9 and 10.4 K/9 in a 1.93 ERA season (91 FIP-). His ability to quiet opposing bats late has the potential for a dynamic 1-2 punch at the back end. As he enters his arbitration years, the Giants may try to buy those out, but he will certainly be back in 2058.
Mike Grudzinski (53 G, 59.1 IP) spun a 3.19 ERA with an 80 FIP-, pairing 11.1 K/9 with 3.0 BB/9. His mid-inning bridge work bolstered late-game leads. Grudzinski is in his second year of arbitration and will be back at around $2.6m.
Caleb Griffing (49 G, 48.2 IP) continued as a lefty specialist, logging 13 holds with a 3.93 ERA and 9.1 K/9. Griffing is arbitration eligible for the final time, and as a LHP is almost certain to return at around $2.8m.
Dan Caines (53 G, 52.1 IP) flashed 10.7 K/9 but posted a 5.85 ERA; refining his command will be critical to his LOOGY future. A $2.8m arbitration value means he is likely to return in 2058, albeit on a short lease.
Josh O’Neal (34 G, 57.2 IP) and Dan Namken (44 G, 55 IP) offered length but combined for ERAs north of 4.40, while Jon McConnell (68 G, 70 IP) battled a 4.89 ERA. Their roles will hinge on offseason adjustments. O’Neal has a $2.4m Team Option which the Giants are likely to execute as a contract they could absorb if his increased walks and lower strikeouts are permanent.
Lynn Poapst struggled (6.75 ERA, 133 FIP-) and likely slides down the pecking order in spring camp. Mike Stark (51 G, 63.2 IP) posted a 3.96 ERA and 97 FIP-, showcasing reliable middle relief. Neither player are likely to return in 2058.
Greg Ward (19 G, 17 IP) returned from injury in August and dazzled with a 1.59 ERA, 41 FIP- and 11.6 K/9. His SP-level stamina and dominance have him squarely in the 2058 rotation mix. He is arbitration eligible and, at $3.5m, will be worth the extension and the Giants might even try to extend that.
Early 2058 Projections
SP Jorge Ramirez
SP Juan Montoya
SP Greg Ward
SP Ha-joon Kim
SP Amari Pappillion
RP Rickey Eggett
RP Mike Grudzinski
RP Greg Brinson
RP Josh O’Neal
RP Dan Caines
RP Luis Chucha
RP Caleb Griffing
RP Jon McConnell
RP TBC
Trade / Non-Tendered
Lynn Poapst
Free Agents
Andy Frederick
Mike Stark
Option
Kymani Libbett
Dan Namken