Where would the Giants be with three high-profile free agents? originally appeared on NBC Sports Bay Area
With the MLB free agency market hot, the Giants remain on the lookout to add more big names to the roster.
San Francisco would still be in the running for three of the biggest names still available – Pete Alonso, Jack Flaherty and Roki Sasaki – according to an article published Friday by Mark Feinsand of MLB.com.
Alonso is the best power hitter available on the market and “has been connected” to the Giants this offseason, according to Feinsand, with the Toronto Blue Jays. The slugger is, however, believed to remain with the New York Mets, Feinsand reported, citing industry sources.
While the Giants lost the Corbin Burnes draw, the team could still pursue another strong starter like Flaherty to pair with Logan Webb at the top of the rotation. The Giants remain “in the mix” for Flaherty, according to Feinsand, in addition to the Blue Jays, Detroit Tigers and Chicago Cubs.
However, San Francisco has already spent a lot on Willy Adamès and Matt Chapman, so it’s unclear whether president of baseball operations Buster Posey and the front office would open the checkbook again.
The most interesting free agent the prospect is Sasaki, the flame-throwing right-hander who turned heads in Japan. The 23-year-old right-hander has until Jan. 23 to sign with an MLB team and has already met with the Giants this offseason, according to Feinsand.
Since Sasaki is classified as an international amateur free agent, he cannot command a massive contract, so he would be a good fit for any team financially. The Los Angeles Dodgers and San Diego Padres are considered the two favorites for Sasaki, Feinsand reported, citing industry sources, but the Giants remain in the running for now.
With the Dodgers coming off a World Series title and continuing to aggressively pursue top talent, San Francisco can’t afford to fall behind in the NL West arms race. Signing Alonso, Flaherty or Sasaki would go a long way in narrowing this competitive gap.
