The San Francisco Giants have to gear up to contend with the Los Angeles Dodgers in the NL West. While they aren't likely to spend as big as teams like the New York Yankees, Philadelphia Phillies, or the Toronto Blue Jays, they can go after some big improvements.
Of their areas of need, the starting rotation is the clear top priority. While they're reportedly not in the market for Tatsuya Imai or other top free agent pitchers, the Giants are eyeing some cheaper free agent pitchers, including Max Scherzer.
Fortunately, the Giants got some good news on their pursuit of Scherzer. Jim Bowden of The Athletic reports that most in the industry believe the Giants are Scherzer's landing spot.
Giants get good news on Max Scherzer's free agency
"It sounds like Scherzer would like to return to the Blue Jays if they'll have him," Bowden writes, "But if not, most in the industry believe he'll end up on a one-year deal with the Giants, as he has a strong personal relationship with their new manager Tony Vitello."
This quote from Bowden indicates that the Giants will be the overwhelming favorites to sign Scherzer this winter if he doesn't end up going back to the Blue Jays.
That no longer looks likely, as Toronto has spent $210 million on Dylan Cease and $30 million on Cody Ponce. Both are starting pitchers, and leave no room for Scherzer on the roster other than in a reliever role.
More: Giants predicted to trade for 3.42 ERA All-Star starting pitcher
The future Hall of Famer could instead come to San Francisco, play for Tony Vitello, with whom he has a close relationship, and finish out an incredible career that's on its way to Cooperstown.
The 41-year-old starter had a 5.19 ERA in 17 starts for the Blue Jays in 2025. While he's not the ace he once was, Scherzer's postseason performance - a 3.77 ERA in three starts during a World Series run - is reason enough to be excited about a signing.
Scherzer would help bolster the Giants' rotation of Logan Webb, Robbie Ray, and Landen Roupp. The Giants need more starting pitching, and Scherzer looks to be the most likely option with San Francisco not in the market for the top arms this winter.
More Giants News:
- Giants predicted to be top landing spot for $7.75 million former Cy Young candidate to replace Justin Verlander
- Giants linked to superstar Japanese slugger not named Shohei Ohtani
- Giants All-Star, Gold Glover already planning offseason goals despite hand injury
- Giants cut ties with $4 million catcher via contract decision
- Giants predicted to sign two-time all-star starter to five-year deal