The San Francisco Giants have made significant moves in the MLB offseason, securing deals with pitchers Blake Snell and Matt Chapman. Snell agreed to a 2-year contract worth $62 million, with an opt-out clause after the first year, essentially making it a one-year deal. The contract includes a $17 million signing bonus to be paid in January 2026, along with a $30 million player option for 2025.
Chapman's signing as the third baseman came at a cost for the Giants, as they forfeited draft picks and international bonus pool money. The team lost their second-round draft pick and $500,000 in international bonus pool money for Chapman, and will now forfeit their third-round pick and another $500,000 for Snell.
Despite these acquisitions, the Giants face a challenging road ahead in the competitive NL West division. With improvements to their roster including adding Jorge Soler and Robbie Ray, the team also lost key players like Mitch Haniger and Brandon Crawford. The signings of Pablo Sandoval and Nick Ahmed may not be enough to significantly impact their standing in the division.
With $50 million invested in Chapman and Snell, along with the loss of draft picks and international bonus pool money, the Giants are banking on a successful 2024 season. However, their path to the playoffs is uncertain, facing tough competition from teams like the Los Angeles Dodgers, Arizona Diamondbacks, and San Diego Padres.
The decisions made by the Giants carry significant implications for the team's future. If the season does not yield the desired results, the team may find themselves with fewer resources to address their challenges. The recent controversial move to release J.D. Davis to save money adds another layer of complexity to the team's decisions and potential outcomes.
