Locked On Giants – Daily Podcast On The San Francisco Giants

According to ESPN's Jeff Passan, three major teams seem to have shifted their attention away from Shohei Ohtani, and indication that they have perhaps been told they're out of the running. Per Passan, the Mets, Red Sox, and Rangers are seemingly out on Ohtani. Those are three teams that were legitimate threats to land the megastar, which only increases the SF Giants' odds of landing Ohtani. Passan adds that the Dodgers, Cubs, Blue Jays, and Angels are known to still be in the running for Ohtani, and that the San Francisco Giants' status is "unknown." Per reports, Ohtani wants things kept as quiet as possible, so that's not necessarily a bad position for the Giants to be in.

The Winter Meetings kick off in Nashville on Sunday. What's on the Giants' agenda on the offseason's biggest stage? Landing a superstar should be priority No. 1. Ohtani certainly would suffice. Yoshinobu Yamamoto reportedly won't meet with finalists until the week after the Winter Meetings, so don't expect his signing to go down in Nashville. The SF Giants would be wise, though, to improve their team to prove to Ohtani that they'd be in a position to win with him. It doesn't help that Korean star Jung Hoo Lee has yet to be posted, as he profiles as a strong fit for the Giants. Cody Bellinger is another who seems to fit well.

Finally, Gabe Kapler landed on his feet. We learned today that the Giants' fired manager was hired as Assistant General Manager of the Miami Marlins under new President of Baseball Operations Peter Bendix, who was hired away from his position as General Manager of the Rays just weeks ago. Kapler joins several of his Giants coaches in landing on his feet after not being retained by the Giants. Kai Correa, Craig Albernaz, Andrew Bailey, Brian Bannister, Ethan Katz, and Donnie Ecker are among Kapler's initial staff with the Giants that now have prominent roles with other organizations.

Find and follow Locked On Giants on your favorite podcast platforms:

🎧 Apple Podcasts http://apple.co/3ycRK3U

🎧 Spotify http://spoti.fi/3Bak0pN

🎧 Google Play https://bit.ly/3D356mr

🎧 Overcast https://bit.ly/3wqZsbg

🎧 Megaphone https://bit.ly/3wGGcXD

The best daily San Francisco Giants podcast. Whether the Giants are winning championships or retooling for another title run, Locked On Giants host Ben Kaspick—a lifelong Giants fan and former contributor for RotoGraphs and Beyond the Box Score—breaks down every game, rumor, and transaction in a way that's data-driven and rational but also simple, passionate, and accessible to all.

Follow Ben Kaspick on X, where he’ll be sharing the latest news about the San Francisco Giants and talking with fans.

On X: https://x.com/BenKaspick

#SFGiants #FirstListen

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According to MLB Network's John Paul Morosi, the San Francisco Giants "are set, they are devoting their whole heart and finances to landing one of Shohei Ohtani or Yoshinobu Yamamoto in the coming weeks." Talk about a juicy, tantalizing sequence of words! Morosi is a well-respected writer in the industry, not someone to be ignored. So his report about the Giants essentially pulling out all the stops to sign Ohtani or Yamamoto is fascinating and exciting.

Yes, SF Giants fans have heard this before and have been let down every single time. Yes, that could very well happen again. Just because the Giants are "set" on signing one of these Japanese superstars, that doesn't mean they'll come away with either. But there are reasons that it could actually happen, despite common narratives to the contrary.

Most consider the Dodgers the favorites to sign Ohtani, and it's easy to understand why. They have the financial resources, and they are perennial World Series contenders. However, in the eyes of Locked On Giants, Ohtani doesn't seem like the kind of guy who wants to take the easy road. Yes, winning is a huge priority, but it's important to keep in mind that the worst the SF Giants have been is mediocre. The Angels were bad with Ohtani (and Mike Trout). The Giants probably would've won around 90 games last year with Ohtani.

So they're not as far off as people think. And they have clean books in the coming years, some really solid foundational pieces in Logan Webb, Camilo Doval, Thairo Estrada, and Patrick Bailey, and some very intriguing prospects in Kyle Harrison, Marco Luciano, and Luis Matos already at the big-league level.

Find and follow Locked On Giants on your favorite podcast platforms:

🎧 Apple Podcasts http://apple.co/3ycRK3U

🎧 Spotify http://spoti.fi/3Bak0pN

🎧 Google Play https://bit.ly/3D356mr

🎧 Overcast https://bit.ly/3wqZsbg

🎧 Megaphone https://bit.ly/3wGGcXD

The best daily San Francisco Giants podcast. Whether the Giants are winning championships or retooling for another title run, Locked On Giants host Ben Kaspick—a lifelong Giants fan and former contributor for RotoGraphs and Beyond the Box Score—breaks down every game, rumor, and transaction in a way that's data-driven and rational but also simple, passionate, and accessible to all.

Follow Ben Kaspick on X, where he’ll be sharing the latest news about the San Francisco Giants and talking with fans.

On X: https://x.com/BenKaspick

#SFGiants #FirstListen

FanDuel

Score early this NFL season with FanDuel, America’s Number One Sportsbook! Right now, NEW customers get ONE HUNDRED AND FIFTY DOLLARS in BONUS BETS with any winning FIVE DOLLAR MONEYLINE BET! That’s A HUNDRED AND FIFTY BUCKS – if your team wins! Visit FanDuel.com/LOCKEDON to get started.

FANDUEL DISCLAIMER: 21+ in select states. First online real money wager only. Bonus issued as nonwithdrawable free bets that expires in 14 days. Restrictions apply. See terms at sportsbook.fanduel.com. Gambling Problem? Call 1-800-GAMBLER or visit FanDuel.com/RG (CO, IA, MD, MI, NJ, PA, IL, VA, WV), 1-800-NEXT-STEP or text NEXTSTEP to 53342 (AZ), 1-888-789-7777 or visit ccpg.org/chat (CT), 1-800-9-WITH-IT (IN), 1-800-522-4700 (WY, KS) or visit ksgamblinghelp.com (KS), 1-877-770-STOP (LA), 1-877-8-HOPENY or text HOPENY (467369) (NY), TN REDLINE 1-800-889-9789 (TN)

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How realistic would a Marcus Stroman, Pete Alonso, and Jung Hoo Lee offseason be for the San Francisco Giants? While it's obviously not exactly what fans want—namely, one Shohei Ohtani or potentially Yoshinobu Yamamoto—those three players would certainly be an intriguing mix of upgrades for the Giants. And each player seems easy enough to acquire and therefore it could be a realistic offseason for the SF Giants if they miss out on the top names available.

Among the other questions asked and answered on today's mailbag edition of Locked On Giants:

What are the chances of the San Francisco Giants signing Marcus Stroman? Logan Webb, Alex Cobb and Stroman would make us a ground ball super rotation!

What do you think happens with Luis Matos in 2024? He is blocked by a large OF corps ahead of him and the Giants are still adding. Full season in AAA starting, bench role, or trade?

Would you reconsider trading Kyle Harrison for Juan Soto if the Padres will take on Ross Stripling's money, and other prospects below the top 12?

Find and follow Locked On Giants on your favorite podcast platforms:

🎧 Apple Podcasts http://apple.co/3ycRK3U

🎧 Spotify http://spoti.fi/3Bak0pN

🎧 Google Play https://bit.ly/3D356mr

🎧 Overcast https://bit.ly/3wqZsbg

🎧 Megaphone https://bit.ly/3wGGcXD

The best daily San Francisco Giants podcast. Whether the Giants are winning championships or retooling for another title run, Locked On Giants host Ben Kaspick—a lifelong Giants fan and former contributor for RotoGraphs and Beyond the Box Score—breaks down every game, rumor, and transaction in a way that's data-driven and rational but also simple, passionate, and accessible to all.

Follow Ben Kaspick on X, where he’ll be sharing the latest news about the San Francisco Giants and talking with fans.

On X: https://x.com/BenKaspick

#SFGiants #FirstListen

FanDuel

Score early this NFL season with FanDuel, America’s Number One Sportsbook! Right now, NEW customers get ONE HUNDRED AND FIFTY DOLLARS in BONUS BETS with any winning FIVE DOLLAR MONEYLINE BET! That’s A HUNDRED AND FIFTY BUCKS – if your team wins! Visit FanDuel.com/LOCKEDON to get started.

FANDUEL DISCLAIMER: 21+ in select states. First online real money wager only. Bonus issued as nonwithdrawable free bets that expires in 14 days. Restrictions apply. See terms at sportsbook.fanduel.com. Gambling Problem? Call 1-800-GAMBLER or visit FanDuel.com/RG (CO, IA, MD, MI, NJ, PA, IL, VA, WV), 1-800-NEXT-STEP or text NEXTSTEP to 53342 (AZ), 1-888-789-7777 or visit ccpg.org/chat (CT), 1-800-9-WITH-IT (IN), 1-800-522-4700 (WY, KS) or visit ksgamblinghelp.com (KS), 1-877-770-STOP (LA), 1-877-8-HOPENY or text HOPENY (467369) (NY), TN REDLINE 1-800-889-9789 (TN)

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The Giants are primed to go big. We've heard that before, and been let down time and time again. But it doesn't change the fact that they are, in fact, primed to go big. This very offseason. Despite SF Giants chairman Greg Johnson stating on numerous occasions the unpopular phrase that "the goal is to break even," even that is not a deterrent for the San Francisco Giants going huge this winter. The reason? Payroll flexibility.

There's often a lot of strong feelings evoked when terms like "financial flexibility" are used. But in the case of the San Francisco Giants, it's worth explaining what it means and why it means they could easily sign a Shohei Ohtani and still "break even." In short, the SF Giants have very few payroll obligations for 2025, and for 2026-28, their only commitment is about $23 million annually to Logan Webb. After that, the books are completely clear.

Say the Giants were to sign Ohtani to a ludicrous 12-year, $600 million contract. That would be a record-shattering $50M per year. The Giants would still be under $100 million in commitments for 2025 and beyond with that salary on the books. That's what's meant by payroll flexibility, and that (among many other reasons) is why the SF Giants are expected to be major players in free agency this year. There's no doubt they're pursuing top names. The only question is whether someone big will finally take their money and sign on the dotted line. And pass their danged physical.

Find and follow Locked On Giants on your favorite podcast platforms:

🎧 Apple Podcasts http://apple.co/3ycRK3U

🎧 Spotify http://spoti.fi/3Bak0pN

🎧 Google Play https://bit.ly/3D356mr

🎧 Overcast https://bit.ly/3wqZsbg

🎧 Megaphone https://bit.ly/3wGGcXD

The best daily San Francisco Giants podcast. Whether the Giants are winning championships or retooling for another title run, Locked On Giants host Ben Kaspick—a lifelong Giants fan and former contributor for RotoGraphs and Beyond the Box Score—breaks down every game, rumor, and transaction in a way that's data-driven and rational but also simple, passionate, and accessible to all.

Follow Ben Kaspick on X, where he’ll be sharing the latest news about the San Francisco Giants and talking with fans.

On X: https://x.com/BenKaspick

#SFGiants #FirstListen

FanDuel

Score early this NFL season with FanDuel, America’s Number One Sportsbook! Right now, NEW customers get ONE HUNDRED AND FIFTY DOLLARS in BONUS BETS with any winning FIVE DOLLAR MONEYLINE BET! That’s A HUNDRED AND FIFTY BUCKS – if your team wins! Visit FanDuel.com/LOCKEDON to get started.

FANDUEL DISCLAIMER: 21+ in select states. First online real money wager only. Bonus issued as nonwithdrawable free bets that expires in 14 days. Restrictions apply. See terms at sportsbook.fanduel.com. Gambling Problem? Call 1-800-GAMBLER or visit FanDuel.com/RG (CO, IA, MD, MI, NJ, PA, IL, VA, WV), 1-800-NEXT-STEP or text NEXTSTEP to 53342 (AZ), 1-888-789-7777 or visit ccpg.org/chat (CT), 1-800-9-WITH-IT (IN), 1-800-522-4700 (WY, KS) or visit ksgamblinghelp.com (KS), 1-877-770-STOP (LA), 1-877-8-HOPENY or text HOPENY (467369) (NY), TN REDLINE 1-800-889-9789 (TN)

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The San Francisco Giants have absolutely no business putting all of their eggs in the Shohei Ohtani basket. Ohtani is by far the most impactful player in this year's free-agent class (although arguably not for 2024, when he'll be limited to DH duties), but who's next? Which player, in terms of regular season wins added, would help the SF Giants the most? That player could be Yoshinobu Yamamoto, a young, coveted ace from Japan. Or it could come the trade market with a player like Juan Soto or Mike Trout.

Among the other questions asked and answered on today's Locked On Giants podcast:

What is a bigger need for the Giants: pitching or hitting?

Who do you prefer for the SF Giants: Cody Bellinger or Jung-Hoo Lee? Would either player alone make the Giants at least a wild-card contender?

How much will it cost a team (like perhaps the SF Giants) to acquire Juan Soto when he reaches free agency after the 2024 season?

What are the chances Joc Pederson will return to the Giants?

Is Lars Nootbaar available and a fit for the San Francisco Giants?

Other than Yoshinobu Yamamoto, which free-agent pitcher(s) are ideal fits for the SF Giants?

Find and follow Locked On Giants on your favorite podcast platforms:

🎧 Apple Podcasts http://apple.co/3ycRK3U

🎧 Spotify http://spoti.fi/3Bak0pN

🎧 Google Play https://bit.ly/3D356mr

🎧 Overcast https://bit.ly/3wqZsbg

🎧 Megaphone https://bit.ly/3wGGcXD

The best daily San Francisco Giants podcast. Whether the Giants are winning championships or retooling for another title run, Locked On Giants host Ben Kaspick—a lifelong Giants fan and former contributor for RotoGraphs and Beyond the Box Score—breaks down every game, rumor, and transaction in a way that's data-driven and rational but also simple, passionate, and accessible to all.

Follow Ben Kaspick on X, where he’ll be sharing the latest news about the San Francisco Giants and talking with fans.

On X: https://x.com/BenKaspick

#SFGiants #FirstListen

FanDuel

Score early this NFL season with FanDuel, America’s Number One Sportsbook! Right now, NEW customers get ONE HUNDRED AND FIFTY DOLLARS in BONUS BETS with any winning FIVE DOLLAR MONEYLINE BET! That’s A HUNDRED AND FIFTY BUCKS – if your team wins! Visit FanDuel.com/LOCKEDON to get started.

FANDUEL DISCLAIMER: 21+ in select states. First online real money wager only. Bonus issued as nonwithdrawable free bets that expires in 14 days. Restrictions apply. See terms at sportsbook.fanduel.com. Gambling Problem? Call 1-800-GAMBLER or visit FanDuel.com/RG (CO, IA, MD, MI, NJ, PA, IL, VA, WV), 1-800-NEXT-STEP or text NEXTSTEP to 53342 (AZ), 1-888-789-7777 or visit ccpg.org/chat (CT), 1-800-9-WITH-IT (IN), 1-800-522-4700 (WY, KS) or visit ksgamblinghelp.com (KS), 1-877-770-STOP (LA), 1-877-8-HOPENY or text HOPENY (467369) (NY), TN REDLINE 1-800-889-9789 (TN)

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Last year, once the SF Giants' deal with Carlos Correa fell apart over medical concerns, the Giants were essentially left with a barren free-agent market because most of the best players had already signed. This year, the San Francisco Giants are reportedly going to put a full-court press on Shohei Ohtani. Both situations seem to suggest that this winter, the Giants should be aggressive in trying to make upgrades before Ohtani makes a decision, because it's hard to imagine him being too intrigued by the SF Giants' current roster.

Other questions answered on today's mailbag edition of Locked On Giants include:

Would the Giants trade for Mike Trout?

What would a trade package look like for Juan Soto, Pete Alonso, or Mike Trout? Who would be the best fit for the SF Giants, and who is your preference?

Will Farhan Zaidi break character and sign a pitcher for more than three years?

How many extra wins would Shohei Ohtani add to the San Francisco Giants? Would he alone make the Giants a 90-92 win team? Compare his first year as a full-time DH vs. being a two-way player.

Given the influx of third base options (J.D. Davis, Wilmer Flores, Casey Schmitt, Marco Luciano(?)) and a potential signing of Matt Chapman, does it make sense to trade Flores now while his value is high? Maybe for some bullpen and middle infield depth? And could they also package Michael Conforto/Mitch Haniger in there too?

In a more general sense, can you explain how two defensive measuring systems like Defensive Runs Saved and Statcast Outs Above Average can differ so much on players like Pete Alonso? And when they do differ, which one do clubs favor?

Find and follow Locked On Giants on your favorite podcast platforms:

🎧 Apple Podcasts http://apple.co/3ycRK3U

🎧 Spotify http://spoti.fi/3Bak0pN

🎧 Google Play https://bit.ly/3D356mr

🎧 Overcast https://bit.ly/3wqZsbg

🎧 Megaphone https://bit.ly/3wGGcXD

The best daily San Francisco Giants podcast. Whether the Giants are winning championships or retooling for another title run, Locked On Giants host Ben Kaspick—a lifelong Giants fan and former contributor for RotoGraphs and Beyond the Box Score—breaks down every game, rumor, and transaction in a way that's data-driven and rational but also simple, passionate, and accessible to all.

Follow Ben Kaspick on X, where he’ll be sharing the latest news about the San Francisco Giants and talking with fans.

On X: https://x.com/BenKaspick

#SFGiants #FirstListen

FanDuel

Score early this NFL season with FanDuel, America’s Number One Sportsbook! Right now, NEW customers get ONE HUNDRED AND FIFTY DOLLARS in BONUS BETS with any winning FIVE DOLLAR MONEYLINE BET! That’s A HUNDRED AND FIFTY BUCKS – if your team wins! Visit FanDuel.com/LOCKEDON to get started.

FANDUEL DISCLAIMER: 21+ in select states. First online real money wager only. Bonus issued as nonwithdrawable free bets that expires in 14 days. Restrictions apply. See terms at sportsbook.fanduel.com. Gambling Problem? Call 1-800-GAMBLER or visit FanDuel.com/RG (CO, IA, MD, MI, NJ, PA, IL, VA, WV), 1-800-NEXT-STEP or text NEXTSTEP to 53342 (AZ), 1-888-789-7777 or visit ccpg.org/chat (CT), 1-800-9-WITH-IT (IN), 1-800-522-4700 (WY, KS) or visit ksgamblinghelp.com (KS), 1-877-770-STOP (LA), 1-877-8-HOPENY or text HOPENY (467369) (NY), TN REDLINE 1-800-889-9789 (TN)

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The San Francisco Giants are in desperate need of offensive upgrades. The problem? Besides Shohei Ohtani (and a few others a significant tier below), there aren't many attractive bats for the SF Giants to target in free agency. As such, the Giants may need to go the trade route in order to upgrade their lineup. Defense is also a need and a focus, not just ability at the plate.

MLB Trade Rumors' Top 25 Offseason Trade Candidates list is parsed through. Which players are potential fits for the Giants, and why? There are certain players on the list, such as Juan Soto, who are generational talents at the plate, but liabilities in the field. Do those types fit what the SF Giants want and need?

Or do the Giants need to target players with a more rounded skillset, those who can contribute at the plate while also contributing in the field. San Francisco Giants president of baseball operations Farhan Zaidi has talked about the Giants' need to improve defensively in the outfield, particularly in center field. So players like Trent Grisham, Luis Robert, and Tommy Edman stand out in that regard. The Giants would also like to acquire some shortstop insurance in case Marco Luciano struggles, which again makes Edman a fit. Ha-Seong Kim is another. The versatility of both players in an added bonus.

Find and follow Locked On Giants on your favorite podcast platforms:

🎧 Apple Podcasts http://apple.co/3ycRK3U

🎧 Spotify http://spoti.fi/3Bak0pN

🎧 Google Play https://bit.ly/3D356mr

🎧 Overcast https://bit.ly/3wqZsbg

🎧 Megaphone https://bit.ly/3wGGcXD

The best daily San Francisco Giants podcast. Whether the Giants are winning championships or retooling for another title run, Locked On Giants host Ben Kaspick—a lifelong Giants fan and former contributor for RotoGraphs and Beyond the Box Score—breaks down every game, rumor, and transaction in a way that's data-driven and rational but also simple, passionate, and accessible to all.

Follow Ben Kaspick on X, where he’ll be sharing the latest news about the San Francisco Giants and talking with fans.

On X: https://x.com/BenKaspick

#SFGiants #FirstListen

FanDuel

Score early this NFL season with FanDuel, America’s Number One Sportsbook! Right now, NEW customers get ONE HUNDRED AND FIFTY DOLLARS in BONUS BETS with any winning FIVE DOLLAR MONEYLINE BET! That’s A HUNDRED AND FIFTY BUCKS – if your team wins! Visit FanDuel.com/LOCKEDON to get started.

FANDUEL DISCLAIMER: 21+ in select states. First online real money wager only. Bonus issued as nonwithdrawable free bets that expires in 14 days. Restrictions apply. See terms at sportsbook.fanduel.com. Gambling Problem? Call 1-800-GAMBLER or visit FanDuel.com/RG (CO, IA, MD, MI, NJ, PA, IL, VA, WV), 1-800-NEXT-STEP or text NEXTSTEP to 53342 (AZ), 1-888-789-7777 or visit ccpg.org/chat (CT), 1-800-9-WITH-IT (IN), 1-800-522-4700 (WY, KS) or visit ksgamblinghelp.com (KS), 1-877-770-STOP (LA), 1-877-8-HOPENY or text HOPENY (467369) (NY), TN REDLINE 1-800-889-9789 (TN)

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It's clear and obvious that the San Francisco Giants need to improve their roster after two straight extremely disappointing seasons in which they had designs on contending. But where, specifically, should the Giants improve? A position-by-position deep dive is made in an attempt to find spots on the diamond where the SF Giants ought to improve, with this year's free-agent class in mind.

The Giants are set at a few positions, such as catcher with Patrick Bailey and second base with Thairo Estrada. After that, there is a lot of positional flexibility and potentially solid production, but a lack of impact talent. There's uncertainty at shortstop with Brandon Crawford a free agent and top prospect Marco Luciano still unproven.

Matt Chapman, Cody Bellinger, and Jung-Hoo Lee are some of the only free-agent position players who stand out as potential fits. On the pitching side, however, the SF Giants are already in a strong position with Cy Young runner-up Logan Webb anchoring what figures to be a strong staff, per the Steamer projections. If the Giants make a serious upgrade at starting pitcher, perhaps they could trade from a surplus of young arms to improve positions on the diamond, where the free agent market is exceptionally thin.

Find and follow Locked On Giants on your favorite podcast platforms:

🎧 Apple Podcasts http://apple.co/3ycRK3U

🎧 Spotify http://spoti.fi/3Bak0pN

🎧 Google Play https://bit.ly/3D356mr

🎧 Overcast https://bit.ly/3wqZsbg

🎧 Megaphone https://bit.ly/3wGGcXD

The best daily San Francisco Giants podcast. Whether the Giants are winning championships or retooling for another title run, Locked On Giants host Ben Kaspick—a lifelong Giants fan and former contributor for RotoGraphs and Beyond the Box Score—breaks down every game, rumor, and transaction in a way that's data-driven and rational but also simple, passionate, and accessible to all.

Follow Ben Kaspick on X, where he’ll be sharing the latest news about the San Francisco Giants and talking with fans.

On X: https://x.com/BenKaspick

#SFGiants #FirstListen

FanDuel

Score early this NFL season with FanDuel, America’s Number One Sportsbook! Right now, NEW customers get ONE HUNDRED AND FIFTY DOLLARS in BONUS BETS with any winning FIVE DOLLAR MONEYLINE BET! That’s A HUNDRED AND FIFTY BUCKS – if your team wins! Visit FanDuel.com/LOCKEDON to get started.

FANDUEL DISCLAIMER: 21+ in select states. First online real money wager only. Bonus issued as nonwithdrawable free bets that expires in 14 days. Restrictions apply. See terms at sportsbook.fanduel.com. Gambling Problem? Call 1-800-GAMBLER or visit FanDuel.com/RG (CO, IA, MD, MI, NJ, PA, IL, VA, WV), 1-800-NEXT-STEP or text NEXTSTEP to 53342 (AZ), 1-888-789-7777 or visit ccpg.org/chat (CT), 1-800-9-WITH-IT (IN), 1-800-522-4700 (WY, KS) or visit ksgamblinghelp.com (KS), 1-877-770-STOP (LA), 1-877-8-HOPENY or text HOPENY (467369) (NY), TN REDLINE 1-800-889-9789 (TN)

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The San Francisco Giants were transparent about their intent to tender contracts to all six of their arbitration-eligible players, and by Friday's deadline, they had done just that. In addition, the SF Giants avoided arbitration with Mike Yastrzemski and Austin Slater, agreeing to modest one-year deals for the 2024 season. Yaz has two years of team control remaining, whereas Slater is entering his final year under Giants control before reaching the free agent market.

Speaking of the free agent market, the first major signing of the offseason recently took place, with the Phillies' Aaron Nola re-signing with the team for seven years and $172 million. That seems to be quite a strong deal for Nola, who'll be entering his age-31 season in 2024. So this contract will run through his age-37 season. In a market flush with really good starting pitchers, and the SF Giants seemingly shopping in that market, Nola's deal with his hometown team could mean the market is going to be quite hot and expensive.

Perhaps the top starting pitcher is Yoshinobu Yamamoto, coming out of Japan and officially posted on Monday. Yamamoto has been dominant in Japan and is only 25 years old. He has been compared to peak Zack Greinke. The Giants reportedly covet Yamamoto, which is not a huge surprise given their clear intent to shop at the top of the starting pitcher market and the fact that Yamamoto is exceptionally young for a free agent. Yamamoto must sign with an MLB team within a 45-day window that begins early Tuesday morning.

Find and follow Locked On Giants on your favorite podcast platforms:

🎧 Apple Podcasts http://apple.co/3ycRK3U

🎧 Spotify http://spoti.fi/3Bak0pN

🎧 Google Play https://bit.ly/3D356mr

🎧 Overcast https://bit.ly/3wqZsbg

🎧 Megaphone https://bit.ly/3wGGcXD

The best daily San Francisco Giants podcast. Whether the Giants are winning championships or retooling for another title run, Locked On Giants host Ben Kaspick—a lifelong Giants fan and former contributor for RotoGraphs and Beyond the Box Score—breaks down every game, rumor, and transaction in a way that's data-driven and rational but also simple, passionate, and accessible to all.

Follow Ben Kaspick on X, where he’ll be sharing the latest news about the San Francisco Giants and talking with fans.

On X: https://x.com/BenKaspick

#SFGiants #FirstListen

FanDuel

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Shohei Ohtani is far and away the best free agent available in this class. Ohtani may be the best free agent ever. The San Francisco Giants are undoubtedly extremely interested in signing the face of the game, but the competition for his services will be extremely fierce. So, outside of Ohtani, who are some players that would represent a serious upgrade other than Ohtani? Most of the best players on the market after Ohtani are starting pitchers: Yoshinobu Yamamoto, Blake Snell, Aaron Nola, Sonny Gray, Jordan Montgomery, Marcus Stroman, and others are all free agents who would represent real upgrades. Impact offense is tougher to find on the free agent market and trades could become necessary.

Other questions and answers featured on today's edition of Locked On Giants include:

How much torture are we as fans in for this offseason?

How will the Alex Cobb injury affect our free agency outlook?

Given that most teams are trying to court Ohtani, what moves (if any) do you think will happen before Ohtani signs?

If you had to guess, do you think the goal is to sign Ohtani, Yamamoto, and Jung-Hoo Lee? Or do you think the SF Giants will shift the plan if they land Ohtani? Signing all three sounds crazy but when you consider their ages and the fact that signing Yamamoto and Lee probably helps with an Ohtani pursuit…

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The best daily San Francisco Giants podcast. Whether the Giants are winning championships or retooling for another title run, Locked On Giants host Ben Kaspick—a lifelong Giants fan and former contributor for RotoGraphs and Beyond the Box Score—breaks down every game, rumor, and transaction in a way that's data-driven and rational but also simple, passionate, and accessible to all.

Follow Ben Kaspick on X, where he’ll be sharing the latest news about the San Francisco Giants and talking with fans.

On X: https://x.com/BenKaspick

#SFGiants #FirstListen

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Score early this NFL season with FanDuel, America’s Number One Sportsbook! Right now, NEW customers get ONE HUNDRED AND FIFTY DOLLARS in BONUS BETS with any winning FIVE DOLLAR MONEYLINE BET! That’s A HUNDRED AND FIFTY BUCKS – if your team wins! Visit FanDuel.com/LOCKEDON to get started.

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