MLB Insider Baffled by San Francisco Giants’ Quiet Offseason Strategy

The San Francisco Giants have taken a curious, almost contrarian path this offseason. Fans, analysts, and even veteran insider Ken Rosenthal are scratching their heads.

With just one free-agent signing and a minor trade on the books, the Giants are sending mixed signals. Are they retooling, contending, or just waiting for the right moment to strike?

This article digs into their strategy and the players involved. Their approach to pitching—and the trade market—has become one of the most talked-about storylines of the winter.

Giants’ Quiet Offseason Leaves More Questions Than Answers

In an offseason where aggressive spending is now the norm for contenders, the San Francisco Giants have stayed surprisingly quiet. Their only notable free-agent addition so far is reliever Sam Hentges.

Their lone trade has been for a backup catcher. Those moves don’t exactly shift the balance of power in the National League, do they?

This conservative approach feels odd, especially since the club has shown a willingness in recent years to spend big on position players. There’s a real disconnect between their old spending habits and what they seem to need now.

One Free-Agent Signing, Minimal Trade Activity

The Hentges signing adds a left-handed arm with some upside to the bullpen. Still, it’s not the kind of move that defines an offseason.

The trade for a backup catcher? Classic roster maintenance. Necessary, sure, but not transformative.

For a franchise with the spending power and market size of San Francisco, this quiet winter naturally raises eyebrows. Fans expected a bigger push, especially after all those rumors linking the team to marquee free agents.

Big Investments in Bats, A Surprising Hesitation on Arms

What makes the Giants’ current stance so puzzling is their recent willingness to spend big on impact position players. They’ve made it seem like they’re ready to build a winning core.

But so far, they haven’t matched that energy on the mound. Rosenthal and others have pointed out that the gap between spending on bats and pitching is getting hard to ignore.

Devers, Adames, Chapman: The Core Taking Shape

In recent seasons, the Giants have poured resources into bats such as:

On paper, those investments make sense. You need star power up the middle and on the corners if you want to win in October.

But without a similar commitment to a top-tier rotation, that blueprint feels unfinished.

Max Scherzer Rumors Highlight Pitching Paradox

Rosenthal has made it clear: he expects the Giants to land Max Scherzer. The future Hall of Famer has a history with new manager Tony Vitello.

That relationship could help bridge the gap between interest and signature. Still, even a blockbuster like that wouldn’t fix all the club’s pitching concerns.

Scherzer Would Be a Start, Not a Solution

Scherzer’s arrival would immediately give the Giants a bona fide ace. They haven’t really had that since their World Series peaks.

But at this point in his career, even Scherzer needs a strong support system. Rosenthal’s right: San Francisco needs more than a single headline signing.

If they don’t strengthen their staff, all the money spent on position players could end up wasted.

Trade Market Focus: Brendan Donovan and Ketel Marte

If the free-agent market isn’t where the Giants plan to make their mark, maybe the trade block is. The front office has been linked to versatile, high-impact names.

That signals a desire to further fortify the lineup and keep the roster flexible. Two names in particular stand out, each a different kind of upgrade—and a different level of complexity.

Brendan Donovan: Versatility and On-Base Skills

The Giants are reportedly pursuing Brendan Donovan of the St. Louis Cardinals. He’s valued all over the league for his versatility and patient approach at the plate.

Adding Donovan would further solidify the club’s position-player depth. Still, it doesn’t address the big question on the mound.

Ketel Marte: Star Power With a Major Obstacle

The Giants’ trade talks involving Ketel Marte of the Diamondbacks are even more intriguing. Marte’s a three-time All-Star with a big contract and real impact at second base.

The issue? The Giants are on Marte’s no-trade list. That’s a major roadblock, forcing San Francisco to either:

Marte’s situation really captures the tension in the Giants’ offseason. There’s ambition on paper, but practical, contractual realities keep getting in the way.

Where Do the Giants Go From Here?

San Francisco needs to make a defining move. Maybe they sign Scherzer, pull off a big trade, or surprise everyone with a late free-agent splash.

Their core group of position players looks ready to win now. But their pitching staff and recent transactions? Honestly, they tell a different story.

Spring is getting close, and the pressure’s real. The Giants need more than just activity—they need some actual clarity.

 
Here is the source article for this story: Top MLB insider ‘baffled’ by SF Giants offseason approach