Giants Prioritize Modestly Priced Pitchers for Upcoming Offseason

The San Francisco Giants are heading into the offseason with a clear, disciplined plan. They want to bolster the rotation, but they’re not about to break the bank.

Instead of diving headfirst into the deep end of free agency for a long-term, nine-figure pitcher, the front office is signaling a more measured approach. They’re thinking shorter deals, mid-tier arms, and keeping payroll flexibility for whatever’s next.

Giants Stay Cautious Amid Big-Name Pitching Market

This year’s free-agent pitching class looks loaded with big names and even bigger price tags. Still, Giants leadership seems determined to resist the urge to splurge.

Existing financial commitments and a strong aversion to long-term risk are driving their conservative path. Fans might want a splash, but the front office is sticking to its guns.

Ownership and Front Office Aligned on Spending Limits

Team chairman Greg Johnson and general manager Zack Minasian have both tried to cool expectations about massive pitching contracts. Their public comments hint that yes, the Giants will be active—but they won’t be reckless.

The club has already spent plenty elsewhere on the roster. There’s a real desire to avoid getting tied down by another long, expensive deal for a pitcher in this unpredictable market.

They want to protect flexibility for years to come. The front office has seen enough bad long-term pitching contracts around the league and wants to avoid that mess.

The Tatsuya Imai Question: Upside vs. Uncertainty

One name that’s gotten a lot of buzz is Tatsuya Imai, the standout righty from Nippon Professional Baseball. On paper, he checks plenty of boxes for a team in need of high-end arm talent.

But the asking price and the risk have given the Giants pause. It’s a tough call.

Why Imai Is Tempting — and Why the Giants May Pass

Reports say Imai could command around six years and $150 million. For a pitcher his age, with his resume in Japan, that’s not totally wild by today’s standards.

His youth and success overseas make him a tempting long-term bet. For a club chasing upside, it’s easy to see the appeal.

But, let’s be honest, the jump from NPB to MLB is never a sure thing. Even with tons of scouting, there’s always some uncertainty—different workloads, a tougher schedule, more travel, different baseballs, and deeper lineups.

The Giants just don’t seem willing to pay top dollar to find out if he’s the real deal.

Current Rotation Core: Webb, Ray, and Roupp

The Giants don’t need to overpay because they already have a solid top of the rotation. The plan isn’t to start from scratch—it’s about reinforcing what’s already there and plugging the holes behind their main guys.

Logan Webb as the Ace, Robbie Ray as the Rebound Story

Logan Webb has become a real ace, the kind of workhorse every contender wants. He’s the Opening Day starter, the tone-setter, the guy you trust with the ball.

Behind him, the Giants hope Robbie Ray can bounce back from Tommy John surgery. He’s shown flashes that his Cy Young–level stuff isn’t gone for good.

There’s also Landen Roupp, a homegrown arm who really impressed in 2025. Projecting young pitchers is always a gamble, but Roupp brings upside and cost control—exactly the kind of profile that lets the team spend more selectively elsewhere.

The real worry is what comes after those three. The Giants lack proven, durable depth beyond them, and that’s where this offseason’s real work begins.

Targeting Second- and Third-Tier Veterans

Instead of chasing a headline-grabbing ace, the Giants are focusing on stabilizers. They want veteran pitchers on shorter deals who can fill the middle or back of the rotation without locking up future budgets.

Replicating the Justin Verlander Model

Last offseason, they signed Justin Verlander to a one-year, $15 million deal. That move brought innings, leadership, and upside—without a multi-year commitment.

It’s a great example of how to add experience and quality without taking on long-term risk. Expect the Giants to chase similar opportunities this winter—arms coming off rough seasons, injuries, or just looking for a prove-it contract.

• Rotation stability without a long-term financial anchor
• Competition for young arms like Roupp and others
• Trade flexibility if things go sideways or a veteran rebuilds his value

Basically, the Giants want competence and upside in the middle of the rotation—not a nine-figure savior at the top.

Balancing Fan Expectations and Payroll Discipline

Let’s face it, none of this is going to thrill a fan base that’s tired of cautious spending. The Giants have hovered just under the harshest luxury tax levels for a while now, and there’s not much sign that’s about to change.

Short-Term Frustration, Long-Term Flexibility

From the outside, it’s tempting to see big spending as a sign of big ambition. The Giants have faced plenty of criticism for skipping out on some high-profile signings in recent years.

But if you ask the front office, their strategy isn’t all that mysterious. They want to keep payroll flexibility, steer clear of long, risky pitching contracts, and give their younger arms a real shot at earning a rotation spot.

If things break right, the Giants could end up with a cost-effective staff. Webb would anchor it, with a mix of rebounding vets and homegrown talent filling in behind him.

The organization keeps saying the same thing: expect smart, targeted pitching additions, not some wild spending spree.

 
Here is the source article for this story: Giants Focusing More On “Modestly Priced” Pitchers