MLB · 1 day ago

5 Smart Moves to Complete the Giants’ 2026 Roster

SportsGrid Contributor Just Baseball

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5. Sign Michael Kopech
Proposed Deal: 2 years, $15 million

Michael Kopech’s raw talent is undeniable, and the Giants appear intrigued. When healthy, he’s shown closer-level stuff, posting strong strikeout numbers and his best ERA in 2024.

Injuries limited him in 2025, but his brief return was encouraging, and his shoulder looked fully recovered. The main concern has been home runs—something Oracle Park can help neutralize.

For a team seeking upside without overpaying, Kopech represents a calculated gamble that could pay off in a big way.

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1. Sign Kyle Tucker
Proposed Deal: 10 years, $350 million

If the Giants are serious about raising their offensive ceiling, Kyle Tucker is the cleanest solution. Pairing the best free agent on the market with Rafael Devers, Willy Adames, and Matt Chapman would give San Francisco one of baseball’s most dangerous top halves.

Right field is currently a question mark, with Drew Gilbert and Luis Matos likely platooning. Tucker eliminates that uncertainty immediately, bringing elite production, consistency, and Gold Glove–caliber defense to a position of need.

Over his career, Tucker owns a .273/.358/.507 slash line, a 138 wRC+, and elite defensive metrics, making him a true two-way star. The only genuine hurdle is whether the Giants are willing to commit nearly $400 million over a decade.

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2. Sign Willi Castro
Proposed Deal: 1 year, $10 million

Willi Castro’s 2025 season was underwhelming, but the underlying numbers suggest his All-Star form may not be gone for good. From 2023–24, Castro was a productive, versatile bat with above-average offense and substantial overall value.

While his surface stats dipped last season, his hard-hit rate and barrel metrics remained steady, pointing to bad luck more than decline. That makes him an intriguing short-term gamble.

Second base isn’t a pressing need with Casey Schmitt in the mix, but Castro would provide flexibility and upside if the Giants want to add depth without a long-term commitment.
3. Trade for Kris Bubic
Proposed Trade: Carson Whisenhunt & Casey Schmitt to the Royals

The Giants made it clear after 2025 that pitching help is a priority, and Kris Bubic checks several boxes. He’d slot neatly behind Logan Webb while coming at a reasonable cost.

Bubic posted a 2.55 ERA over 116 innings last season and thrives by inducing ground balls, something San Francisco highly values. He’s also affordable in 2026 and a potential extension candidate, especially given his Bay Area roots.

The price wouldn’t be low, but adding a proven left-hander could stabilize the rotation in a big way.
4. Sign Pierce Johnson
Proposed Deal: 1 year, $5.5 million

San Francisco rarely splurges on elite relievers, but Pierce Johnson offers reliability without the premium price tag. After a bullpen collapse in 2025, innings and consistency are at a premium.

Johnson has logged nearly 180 innings over the past three seasons with a solid ERA and fits perfectly in Oracle Park, where fly-ball pitchers tend to thrive. He’s also familiar with the organization, having pitched for the Giants earlier in his career.

It’s not flashy, but it’s the type of move that helps fix a fragile bullpen.

Thanks to Just Baseball for the stats, analysis, and insights for this slideshow article.
5. Sign Michael Kopech
Proposed Deal: 2 years, $15 million

Michael Kopech’s raw talent is undeniable, and the Giants appear intrigued. When healthy, he’s shown closer-level stuff, posting strong strikeout numbers and his best ERA in 2024.

Injuries limited him in 2025, but his brief return was encouraging, and his shoulder looked fully recovered. The main concern has been home runs—something Oracle Park can help neutralize.

For a team seeking upside without overpaying, Kopech represents a calculated gamble that could pay off in a big way.

Stay ahead of the game and elevate your sports betting experience with SportsGrid.
1. Sign Kyle Tucker
Proposed Deal: 10 years, $350 million

If the Giants are serious about raising their offensive ceiling, Kyle Tucker is the cleanest solution. Pairing the best free agent on the market with Rafael Devers, Willy Adames, and Matt Chapman would give San Francisco one of baseball’s most dangerous top halves.

Right field is currently a question mark, with Drew Gilbert and Luis Matos likely platooning. Tucker eliminates that uncertainty immediately, bringing elite production, consistency, and Gold Glove–caliber defense to a position of need.

Over his career, Tucker owns a .273/.358/.507 slash line, a 138 wRC+, and elite defensive metrics, making him a true two-way star. The only genuine hurdle is whether the Giants are willing to commit nearly $400 million over a decade.

Have all the intel you need? Free, actionable information is just one click away! Sign up for our daily newsletter, SportsGrid Daily.

5 Smart Moves to Complete the Giants’ 2026 Roster

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