[Giants]

Questions for Giants (and anyone else who cares to answer):

1. Do the Giants keep Doval?
2. Do the Giants keep Jerar Encarnacion?
3. Do the Giants keep Flores or seek another 1B?
4. Do the Giants make a big trade for an OF or 1B?
5. Do the Giants start 34 year old Yaz with Jung Hoo Lee and Heliot Ramos, or do they trade Yaz?
6. What is likely to happen to Meckler, Matos, Luciano and McCray?
7. Will Eldridge be up to the big club this year?
8. The Giants are happy with Bailey. Are they happy with Sabol and Murphy, or do they want another backup catcher? Remember, Sabol had the third best OPS on the club.

1. Yes.  Both Posey and Melvin have stated they believe Doval can make a comeback to his previous form. Of course, that could be just window dressing as they prepare to move him.  However, I think they are sincere and plan to keep him.  

2./3.  Encarnacion and Flores play the same role.  Only one will make the team.  At this point, I think Flores has an edge. Also, the desire to mix/match to fill the DH spot rather than utilize a single player works against Encarnacion.  I do not foresee a trade for a 1B unless they can find a one-year rental who is clearly an upgrade over the short term pairing of Wade/Flores. 

4.  There are very few available OF’s that could make a difference.  Unless Posey is willing to give up valued prospects, it is unlikely SF will make a deal.  Also, assuming Burnes signs a significant contract, there isn’t a lot of money left to pay a highly regarded OF.  The Giants were one of nine franchises to pay the luxury tax in 2024.  They need to get under the $241MM figure to reset the tax level in 2026.  

5./6.  I think Yaz might be dealt.  If he isn’t, he could be the 4th OF this year.  I think that at least one of the young guys will break through (see 2024 Ramos).  I would guess Matos would be the guy.  He has had a strong winter ball season and might be ready to step up to play RF regularly.   I like Meckler as the 5th OF with Luciano and McCray starting the season in Sacramento.  Having said that, the OF situation is very fluid.  If anyone gets particularly hot in the spring, they could be heading north. 

7. By the All-Star break.  Elridge needs more seasoning, especially his defense.  Will Clark is the point person in bringing him up to speed.  Now, if he could only play like Clark, the Giants would finally have a long term solution to their 1B problem. 

8.  Murphy has the contract; Murphy has the job.  Of course, it wasn’t Posey who signed Murphy so there is a possibility he could eat Murphy’s contract and find someone else.  Regardless, it won’t be Sabol, he is a defensive liability (with Murphy being marginally better).  

Note:  Let’s set the bar low and say 3 out of 6 (taking into account the combined questions) is a passing grade.

UPDATE: it is being reported that Goldschmidt will sign a one year deal for $12.5M with the Yankees.

[Giants]

Questions for Giants (and anyone else who cares to answer):

1. Do the Giants keep Doval?
2. Do the Giants keep Jerar Encarnacion?
3. Do the Giants keep Flores or seek another 1B?
4. Do the Giants make a big trade for an OF or 1B?
5. Do the Giants start 34 year old Yaz with Jung Hoo Lee and Heliot Ramos, or do they trade Yaz?
6. What is likely to happen to Meckler, Matos, Luciano and McCray?
7. Will Eldridge be up to the big club this year?
8. The Giants are happy with Bailey. Are they happy with Sabol and Murphy, or do they want another backup catcher? Remember, Sabol had the third best OPS on the club.

1. Yes.  Both Posey and Melvin have stated they believe Doval can make a comeback to his previous form. Of course, that could be just window dressing as they prepare to move him.  However, I think they are sincere and plan to keep him.  

2./3.  Encarnacion and Flores play the same role.  Only one will make the team.  At this point, I think Flores has an edge. Also, the desire to mix/match to fill the DH spot rather than utilize a single player works against Encarnacion.  I do not foresee a trade for a 1B unless they can find a one-year rental who is clearly an upgrade over the short term pairing of Wade/Flores. 

4.  There are very few available OF’s that could make a difference.  Unless Posey is willing to give up valued prospects, it is unlikely SF will make a deal.  Also, assuming Burnes signs a significant contract, there isn’t a lot of money left to pay a highly regarded OF.  The Giants were one of nine franchises to pay the luxury tax in 2024.  They need to get under the $241MM figure to reset the tax level in 2026.  

5./6.  I think Yaz might be dealt.  If he isn’t, he could be the 4th OF this year.  I think that at least one of the young guys will break through (see 2024 Ramos).  I would guess Matos would be the guy.  He has had a strong winter ball season and might be ready to step up to play RF regularly.   I like Meckler as the 5th OF with Luciano and McCray starting the season in Sacramento.  Having said that, the OF situation is very fluid.  If anyone gets particularly hot in the spring, they could be heading north. 

7. By the All-Star break.  Elridge needs more seasoning, especially his defense.  Will Clark is the point person in bringing him up to speed.  Now, if he could only play like Clark, the Giants would finally have a long term solution to their 1B problem. 

8.  Murphy has the contract; Murphy has the job.  Of course, it wasn’t Posey who signed Murphy so there is a possibility he could eat Murphy’s contract and find someone else.  Regardless, it won’t be Sabol, he is a defensive liability (with Murphy being marginally better).  

Note:  Let’s set the bar low and say 3 out of 6 (taking into account the combined questions) is a passing grade.

UPDATE: it is being reported that Goldschmidt will sign a one year deal for $12.5M with the Yankees.