After a mediocre season, it’s clear the San Francisco Giants need to make some changes. They already made a couple by signing Willy Adames before the season, and then trading for Rafael Devers in June. However, it wasn’t enough, and they went 81-81.
They’ve focused on hitting; now they need to focus on pitching. Bleacher Report’s Zachary D. Rymer believes they will, as he has the Giants as the top landing spot for a former Cy Young Candidate, San Diego Padres ace Michael King.
“The Giants somehow only got a 4.13 ERA out of their starters anyway, but the potential for a powerhouse rotation will be there if they can line up someone with even more upside than Verlander behind Webb and Ray, who also pitched well this year,” Rymer wrote. “King is that kind of guy in a vacuum, and his profile is perfect for Oracle Park. He can and does miss bats, but his real strength is stifling hard contact. Put that talent together with one of the most pitcher-friendly parks in MLB, and what you should get is a beautiful friendship.”
This season, King was injured for most of it, but he still put up a 3.44 ERA with a record of 5-3, 76 Ks, and a WHIP of 1.220 over 15 games. In 2024, his Cy Young candidate year, he had a 2.95 ERA with a record of 13-9, along with 201 Ks, and a WHIP of 1.192.
King would be the perfect replacement for Verlander, who is also a free agent this offseason. While Verlander was the Giants’ best pitcher for the final stretch, he was their worst pitcher for most of the year.
Hopefully, the Giants realize that it’s time to move on from Verlander and get a new ace in King, who’s ready to have a fully healthy season next year.
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