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benp28 · 08-20-2025, 04:05 PM

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Catchers

Juan Ramos had a very similar season, WAR wise, from last year (2055 – 1.9; 2054 – 2.1) but got there in a different way as his bat was down (wRC+ 90 from 104; SO% 29% from 23.5%) but his glove was improved (FRM 2.2 from 0; ZR 1.3 from -1.5). Ramos has taken advantage of his PO and opted out of a $9.9m contract and will explore the Free Market. A four-year contract at $11m pa means the Giants are happy to let him do that. At this point, Ramos returning seems unlikely.

Ernie Mapes was a disappointment after being claimed off Waivers from San Antonio. A 62 wRC+ would require an elite glove to be playable and a -0.9 FRM rate is not elite. Mapes will be on a league minimum salary next year so will likely have a shot to earn a backup spot in Spring Training, although he is out of options which might make him back up or out.

Infield

1B Juan Magana was the everyday 1B, starting 150 G and managing a 20/20 season with 22 HR and 50 SB. Magana put up 3.7 WAR and provided an above average glove, the starting spot is his in 2056, especially after the Giants locked him into a 10 year contract during the season.

2B Ernesto Pantoja led the Giants with a 139 wRC+, 34 HR, and 128 RBI. Pantoja is looking for $30m/year to sign a long term contract so a one-year extension this year and next before a QO and draft compensation in 2058 seems the likeliest route for Pantoja’s Giants future.

3B Steve Boyd has been the feel-good story of the Giants recent history. The 2048 3rd Round broke into the team after Spring Training in 2053 and has been an ever-present since, covering both 3B and SS. This year, however, was the worst of the three, an inconvenient time for him as he enters his arbitration years. His wRC+ dropped below 100 for the first time as, while his average was fairly consistent, his slugging dropped 40 points. Boyd will be offered a one year extension and the Giants will hope to see a rebound to his output levels from years one and two.

SS Joel Hudson was on track for the best year of his Major League career before a broken kneecap ended his season. This was fuelled by an increased extra-base hits total, including a career high 12 HR from a career-low AB. Hudson is fragile and is entering his last arbitration year. His current ask for a multi-year contract is $19m pa which makes him liable to accept a QO. The Giants have replacements waiting, although not at Hudson’s Gold Glove level. The likeliest outcome at this point is a final one-year extension with the hope that come the trade deadline there is both the interest and the back up to gather some value rather than letting him leave for free next winter.

Ben Thomas, the 2047 16th Round, had a perfectly adequate season in a utility infield role. Hitting close to league average (98 wRC+), his glove was slightly below league average covering 1B, 3B, and SS. On a league minimum salary, Thomas should have the chance to claim a utility role in Spring Training next season.

Nevio Clinton is a worse version of Ben Thomas and is now wrecked physically as he enters his second year of arbitration eligibility. Hitting 84 wRC+ with a below average glove means Clinton is likely to be traded or non-tendered, despite his Captain personality.
Neither Gabino Galindo nor Kevin Dobbs (in limited appearances) impressed as reliable 1B/DH back-ups. Galindo has one remaining option year which may give him one more chance to impress at Spring Training, but Kevin Dobbs is in arbitration years and will either be traded or non-tendered.

Juan Mendoza, Stewart’s 2053 2nd round choice, made his Major League debut and was very impressive, a 135 wRC+ in 100+ AB a great start to his career. He struggled in the postseason and ultimately missed the final game with a hamstring strain, but his floor for next season is utility infielder and the Giants will be hoping for more.

Outfield

Offseason David Rojo was the MVP of the Giants season, a 124 wRC+ at CF contributing to 5.9 WAR. 29 HR / 26 SB give him a second 20/20 season in the majors, as he provides an above average CF glove with that potent bat. Rojo is entering his penultimate year of arbitration and the Giants may consider a longer term deal for a player who has put up 3+ WAR in each of his first full seasons in the majors.

Gianvito Heaton is one of a very limited LHB options on the Giants roster so is likely to return on his minimum salary contract next year. However, the Giants will need more than 32 HR from a player who set the Giants single season record, and led the NL, in strikeouts, with 220, or 37% of his At Bats.

Wilfredo Polo is entering his arbitration years and, while a stalwart from Stewart’s first year, his inconsistent performance year to year coupled with his inability to play anything other than DH may make him a luxury the Giants don’t want to carry.

Frank Calleja played 128 G in his debut season with a 106 wRC+. That should be a good base to build from although his fragility is a concern. Unfortunately, S&C is not available to him within the Development Labbut the Giants will certainly invest in him for next season.

Jaquan Willie had a very poor regular season, generating 65 wRC+ with a negative ZR. Entering his first arbitration year, that should be enough to end Willie’s time with the Giants. However, Calleja’s injury opened a post season slot for Willie and he responded by winning the NLCS MVP. He has option years left, and his glove should make him a tradeable asset so the Giants will likely offer a one-year extension to let him compete in Spring Training.

Ernnie Chafer, the 2053 10th Round Pick, has fast tracked to his major league debut two years on from drafting. His ceiling doesn’t look like a cornerstone with below average power and eye but if either can improve then Chafer might have a chance with the quality of his corner glove.

Steve Freese played a much smaller role than had been expected when the Giants picked him up in a trade in January. He is fragile which is a problem for a prospective CF but, on a minimum salary, is another the Giants will expect to use Spring Training to fight for a position.

Early 2056 Projections

C TBC
1B Juan Magana
2B Ernesto Pantoja
3B Steve Boyd
SS Joel Hudson

LF Gianvito Heaton
CF David Rojo
RF Frank Calleja

DH TBC

C Ernie Mapes / TBC
IF Ben Thomas
IF Juan Mendoza
OF Jaquan Willie / Steve Freese
OF Ernnie Chafer

Trade / Non-Tendered

Nevio Clinton
Kevin Dobbs

Option

Gabrino Galindo

TBD

Wilfredo Polo

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Starters

The Giants had a remarkably consistent Starting Rotation, with only six pitchers covering all but one of the regular season games, with four of the six having a FIP- below league average.

Greg Ward was the best of the six, his 88 FIP-, coming from 184.1 IP with 3.6 WAR. The 2049 7th round pick has made the most of his chance in his first full season and despite only have two major league pitches (plus a 35/35 curveball) has above average movement and control to limit walks and home runs. The Giants will want to see him do it again next season but his new floor is certainly a useful bullpen arm.

Juan Montoya had a stuff start to the season but finished with 3.4 WAR and a 90 FIP-. Average control with plus movement and average stuff that could still become plus if he can develop his sinker further, Montoya has the chance to be great and the Giants are happy with the 8-year, $96m contract extension agreed during the season. This deal has the feeling of Stewart’s early Kansas City deals with Curt Bogans or Eddie Baquerizo, and Giants fans will hope for the same output.

Jorge Ramirez earned a starting rotation place out of Spring Training and delivered with a 94 FIP- and 2.8 WAR. A five-pitch arsenal looks unlikely to fully develop but should provide enough looks to keep Ramirez as an effective back half of the rotation starter throughout his league minimum years at least.

Andy Frederick missed some starts through injury and remains a fragile pitcher, but still returned a 97 FIP- and over two WAR in total. However, for a 29-year old with two more years of a $31m a year contract to go, the Giants have some heavy warning signs. Moving on from Frederick would be an unpopular move with the fans but freeing up that much salary would be a positive – any move would only come with Stewart having certainty around his replacement.

Pete Lamar earned his promotion to the big leagues and returned a league average third of a season, and 1.1 WAR. The 2052 1st round pick still has a lot of room to grow and if he can realise his potential plus control to pair with his above average movement, he will have a solid future.

Nate Hudson was a little unfortunate to lose out to the Giants needs to give Lamar his chance. He was slightly above league average in terms of FIP but was on track for close to 2 WAR over a full season, but did struggle with walks. He will be on a league minimum contract next year but is more likely to open in Sacramento as a very good back up.

One additional note is to confirm that the Giants will not pick up the TO for Josh Webb’s second year after he missed the whole of the season with shoulder inflammation from which he suffered a setback keeping him out until February or March. That will cost the Giants $2.7m but will save them over $13m this season and next.

Bullpen

This review will split the best bullpen in the National League into six sections.

The first, and easiest section, is for those pitchers who are under a minimum or recurring salary for 2056 and returned a FIP- better than league average this season. That list is comprised of Greg Brinson, Rickey Eggett, Mike Grudzinski, and LHP Josh Medaris.

The next list are players that are contracted for next season but performed worse than league average in terms of FIP-. Greg Hyder and Nate Brodt are the only two players on this list. Hyder gave up 13 H in 15.0 IP and was a little unfortunate to be optioned to Sacramento but really struggled there, walking 6.9 per nine and that has probably closed the door on his return. He is likely to be DFA to get his contract for next season off the books. Brodt has the advantage of being a LHP with plus movement but also really struggled with walks, giving up 9.5 per nine. That walk rate means he is most likely headed to DFA with the hope that he clears and can work on his control in AAA.

Mike Stark is the only relief pitcher with a Team Option for the 2056 season, for $6m. Stark has some trade value and performed well in 2055, with an 87 FIP- across 33.2 IP. Stewart will probably bring him back with the hope that the bullpen is so strong in 2056 that he is traded either during the offseason or during the season.

The two Josh’s, Parker and O’Neal, form the next list, and this is QO eligible Free Agents. Josh Parker has a torn rotator cuff and is missing the next 16 months so will not be offered a QO. O’Neal is looking for a three year contract at $2.6m. He is 31 years old and so the length of the contract present some risk but O’Neal had a 60 FIP- with 14 SD to 4 MD proving his reliability. Stewart would like to come to an agreement with O’Neal, with some team control over the any additional years.

Finally, the arbitration eligible players. Rickey Martino is entering his final year of arbitration and is coming off a season when he led the NL in saves, with 40, which is good for 9th on the Giants all-time single season record, and moves him to 6th on the career list, with 152. He will certainly return to aim for another career season to get him close to 200 SV (the Giants career record is Robb Nen’s 206. Jesus Barbosa, Dan Caines, and David Silva are arbitration eligible for the first time. Jesus Barbosa was below replacement level and will be allowed to enter free agency. Dan Caines had his least efficient years as a Giant but retains above average stuff with average control and potential average movement. At 26, that potential is looking unlikely to be realised but Stewart is minded to give him one more year. David Silva tore his labrum in the postseason and, after his least effective year for the Giants, that makes him unlikely to receive an extension offer and the Giants will let him head to free agency with their thanks and a return to the Bay pencilled in to collect his ring next season.

Early 2056 Projections

SP Juan Montoya
SP Greg Ward
SP Pete Lamar
SP Jorge Ramirez
SP Andy Frederick

RP Rickey Martino
RP Greg Brinson
RP Rickey Eggett
RP Mike Grudzinski
RP Josh Medaris
RP Josh O’Neal
RP Dan Caines
RP Mike Stark
RP TBC

Trade / Non-Tendered

Jesus Barbosa
David Silva

Free Agents

Josh Webb (TO Declined)
Josh Parker

Option

Nate Hudson
Greg Hyder (DFA)
Nate Brodt (DFA)

08-20-2025, 04:05 PM	#118
benp28 All Star Reserve Join Date: Apr 2024 Posts: 875	2055 Player Evaluation Catchers Juan Ramos had a very similar season, WAR wise, from last year (2055 – 1.9; 2054 – 2.1) but got there in a different way as his bat was down (wRC+ 90 from 104; SO% 29% from 23.5%) but his glove was improved (FRM 2.2 from 0; ZR 1.3 from -1.5). Ramos has taken advantage of his PO and opted out of a $9.9m contract and will explore the Free Market. A four-year contract at $11m pa means the Giants are happy to let him do that. At this point, Ramos returning seems unlikely. Ernie Mapes was a disappointment after being claimed off Waivers from San Antonio. A 62 wRC+ would require an elite glove to be playable and a -0.9 FRM rate is not elite. Mapes will be on a league minimum salary next year so will likely have a shot to earn a backup spot in Spring Training, although he is out of options which might make him back up or out. Infield 1B Juan Magana was the everyday 1B, starting 150 G and managing a 20/20 season with 22 HR and 50 SB. Magana put up 3.7 WAR and provided an above average glove, the starting spot is his in 2056, especially after the Giants locked him into a 10 year contract during the season. 2B Ernesto Pantoja led the Giants with a 139 wRC+, 34 HR, and 128 RBI. Pantoja is looking for $30m/year to sign a long term contract so a one-year extension this year and next before a QO and draft compensation in 2058 seems the likeliest route for Pantoja’s Giants future. 3B Steve Boyd has been the feel-good story of the Giants recent history. The 2048 3rd Round broke into the team after Spring Training in 2053 and has been an ever-present since, covering both 3B and SS. This year, however, was the worst of the three, an inconvenient time for him as he enters his arbitration years. His wRC+ dropped below 100 for the first time as, while his average was fairly consistent, his slugging dropped 40 points. Boyd will be offered a one year extension and the Giants will hope to see a rebound to his output levels from years one and two. SS Joel Hudson was on track for the best year of his Major League career before a broken kneecap ended his season. This was fuelled by an increased extra-base hits total, including a career high 12 HR from a career-low AB. Hudson is fragile and is entering his last arbitration year. His current ask for a multi-year contract is $19m pa which makes him liable to accept a QO. The Giants have replacements waiting, although not at Hudson’s Gold Glove level. The likeliest outcome at this point is a final one-year extension with the hope that come the trade deadline there is both the interest and the back up to gather some value rather than letting him leave for free next winter. Ben Thomas, the 2047 16th Round, had a perfectly adequate season in a utility infield role. Hitting close to league average (98 wRC+), his glove was slightly below league average covering 1B, 3B, and SS. On a league minimum salary, Thomas should have the chance to claim a utility role in Spring Training next season. Nevio Clinton is a worse version of Ben Thomas and is now wrecked physically as he enters his second year of arbitration eligibility. Hitting 84 wRC+ with a below average glove means Clinton is likely to be traded or non-tendered, despite his Captain personality. Neither Gabino Galindo nor Kevin Dobbs (in limited appearances) impressed as reliable 1B/DH back-ups. Galindo has one remaining option year which may give him one more chance to impress at Spring Training, but Kevin Dobbs is in arbitration years and will either be traded or non-tendered. Juan Mendoza, Stewart’s 2053 2nd round choice, made his Major League debut and was very impressive, a 135 wRC+ in 100+ AB a great start to his career. He struggled in the postseason and ultimately missed the final game with a hamstring strain, but his floor for next season is utility infielder and the Giants will be hoping for more. Outfield Offseason David Rojo was the MVP of the Giants season, a 124 wRC+ at CF contributing to 5.9 WAR. 29 HR / 26 SB give him a second 20/20 season in the majors, as he provides an above average CF glove with that potent bat. Rojo is entering his penultimate year of arbitration and the Giants may consider a longer term deal for a player who has put up 3+ WAR in each of his first full seasons in the majors. Gianvito Heaton is one of a very limited LHB options on the Giants roster so is likely to return on his minimum salary contract next year. However, the Giants will need more than 32 HR from a player who set the Giants single season record, and led the NL, in strikeouts, with 220, or 37% of his At Bats. Wilfredo Polo is entering his arbitration years and, while a stalwart from Stewart’s first year, his inconsistent performance year to year coupled with his inability to play anything other than DH may make him a luxury the Giants don’t want to carry. Frank Calleja played 128 G in his debut season with a 106 wRC+. That should be a good base to build from although his fragility is a concern. Unfortunately, S&C is not available to him within the Development Labbut the Giants will certainly invest in him for next season. Jaquan Willie had a very poor regular season, generating 65 wRC+ with a negative ZR. Entering his first arbitration year, that should be enough to end Willie’s time with the Giants. However, Calleja’s injury opened a post season slot for Willie and he responded by winning the NLCS MVP. He has option years left, and his glove should make him a tradeable asset so the Giants will likely offer a one-year extension to let him compete in Spring Training. Ernnie Chafer, the 2053 10th Round Pick, has fast tracked to his major league debut two years on from drafting. His ceiling doesn’t look like a cornerstone with below average power and eye but if either can improve then Chafer might have a chance with the quality of his corner glove. Steve Freese played a much smaller role than had been expected when the Giants picked him up in a trade in January. He is fragile which is a problem for a prospective CF but, on a minimum salary, is another the Giants will expect to use Spring Training to fight for a position. Early 2056 Projections C TBC 1B Juan Magana 2B Ernesto Pantoja 3B Steve Boyd SS Joel Hudson LF Gianvito Heaton CF David Rojo RF Frank Calleja DH TBC C Ernie Mapes / TBC IF Ben Thomas IF Juan Mendoza OF Jaquan Willie / Steve Freese OF Ernnie Chafer Trade / Non-Tendered Nevio Clinton Kevin Dobbs Option Gabrino Galindo TBD Wilfredo Polo Starters The Giants had a remarkably consistent Starting Rotation, with only six pitchers covering all but one of the regular season games, with four of the six having a FIP- below league average. Greg Ward was the best of the six, his 88 FIP-, coming from 184.1 IP with 3.6 WAR. The 2049 7th round pick has made the most of his chance in his first full season and despite only have two major league pitches (plus a 35/35 curveball) has above average movement and control to limit walks and home runs. The Giants will want to see him do it again next season but his new floor is certainly a useful bullpen arm. Juan Montoya had a stuff start to the season but finished with 3.4 WAR and a 90 FIP-. Average control with plus movement and average stuff that could still become plus if he can develop his sinker further, Montoya has the chance to be great and the Giants are happy with the 8-year, $96m contract extension agreed during the season. This deal has the feeling of Stewart’s early Kansas City deals with Curt Bogans or Eddie Baquerizo, and Giants fans will hope for the same output. Jorge Ramirez earned a starting rotation place out of Spring Training and delivered with a 94 FIP- and 2.8 WAR. A five-pitch arsenal looks unlikely to fully develop but should provide enough looks to keep Ramirez as an effective back half of the rotation starter throughout his league minimum years at least. Andy Frederick missed some starts through injury and remains a fragile pitcher, but still returned a 97 FIP- and over two WAR in total. However, for a 29-year old with two more years of a $31m a year contract to go, the Giants have some heavy warning signs. Moving on from Frederick would be an unpopular move with the fans but freeing up that much salary would be a positive – any move would only come with Stewart having certainty around his replacement. Pete Lamar earned his promotion to the big leagues and returned a league average third of a season, and 1.1 WAR. The 2052 1st round pick still has a lot of room to grow and if he can realise his potential plus control to pair with his above average movement, he will have a solid future. Nate Hudson was a little unfortunate to lose out to the Giants needs to give Lamar his chance. He was slightly above league average in terms of FIP but was on track for close to 2 WAR over a full season, but did struggle with walks. He will be on a league minimum contract next year but is more likely to open in Sacramento as a very good back up. One additional note is to confirm that the Giants will not pick up the TO for Josh Webb’s second year after he missed the whole of the season with shoulder inflammation from which he suffered a setback keeping him out until February or March. That will cost the Giants $2.7m but will save them over $13m this season and next. Bullpen This review will split the best bullpen in the National League into six sections. The first, and easiest section, is for those pitchers who are under a minimum or recurring salary for 2056 and returned a FIP- better than league average this season. That list is comprised of Greg Brinson, Rickey Eggett, Mike Grudzinski, and LHP Josh Medaris. The next list are players that are contracted for next season but performed worse than league average in terms of FIP-. Greg Hyder and Nate Brodt are the only two players on this list. Hyder gave up 13 H in 15.0 IP and was a little unfortunate to be optioned to Sacramento but really struggled there, walking 6.9 per nine and that has probably closed the door on his return. He is likely to be DFA to get his contract for next season off the books. Brodt has the advantage of being a LHP with plus movement but also really struggled with walks, giving up 9.5 per nine. That walk rate means he is most likely headed to DFA with the hope that he clears and can work on his control in AAA. Mike Stark is the only relief pitcher with a Team Option for the 2056 season, for $6m. Stark has some trade value and performed well in 2055, with an 87 FIP- across 33.2 IP. Stewart will probably bring him back with the hope that the bullpen is so strong in 2056 that he is traded either during the offseason or during the season. The two Josh’s, Parker and O’Neal, form the next list, and this is QO eligible Free Agents. Josh Parker has a torn rotator cuff and is missing the next 16 months so will not be offered a QO. O’Neal is looking for a three year contract at $2.6m. He is 31 years old and so the length of the contract present some risk but O’Neal had a 60 FIP- with 14 SD to 4 MD proving his reliability. Stewart would like to come to an agreement with O’Neal, with some team control over the any additional years. Finally, the arbitration eligible players. Rickey Martino is entering his final year of arbitration and is coming off a season when he led the NL in saves, with 40, which is good for 9th on the Giants all-time single season record, and moves him to 6th on the career list, with 152. He will certainly return to aim for another career season to get him close to 200 SV (the Giants career record is Robb Nen’s 206. Jesus Barbosa, Dan Caines, and David Silva are arbitration eligible for the first time. Jesus Barbosa was below replacement level and will be allowed to enter free agency. Dan Caines had his least efficient years as a Giant but retains above average stuff with average control and potential average movement. At 26, that potential is looking unlikely to be realised but Stewart is minded to give him one more year. David Silva tore his labrum in the postseason and, after his least effective year for the Giants, that makes him unlikely to receive an extension offer and the Giants will let him head to free agency with their thanks and a return to the Bay pencilled in to collect his ring next season. Early 2056 Projections SP Juan Montoya SP Greg Ward SP Pete Lamar SP Jorge Ramirez SP Andy Frederick RP Rickey Martino RP Greg Brinson RP Rickey Eggett RP Mike Grudzinski RP Josh Medaris RP Josh O’Neal RP Dan Caines RP Mike Stark RP TBC Trade / Non-Tendered Jesus Barbosa David Silva Free Agents Josh Webb (TO Declined) Josh Parker Option Nate Hudson Greg Hyder (DFA) Nate Brodt (DFA)