Catchers
Jim Clarke anchored the catching position with an elite offensive season. He posted a 122 wRC+ and a .775 OPS, driving 19 home runs and collecting 103 hits in 497 plate appearances. Clarke’s .246/.356/.419 slash line and 14.1 BB% showcase his disciplined approach, while his 2.9 WAR ranks him among the league’s most valuable backstops. Defensively, he struggled—his −2.4 zone rating and −2 framing runs indicate room for improvement—but his bat more than compensated. Clarke is under contract for next year at $28m which is in a fair range for a 3 WAR player, if he can maintain that level of performance.
In a part-time role, Dane Cook delivered high-impact offense, slashing .280/.377/.416 with an outstanding 127 wRC+ and .793 OPS over 147 plate appearances. His 13.6 BB% and 12.9 K% underline a mature plate approach, and he chipped in eight doubles and three homers. Cook’s 0.9 WAR reflects strong value in limited action. Defensively, his −0.5 zone rating and −1.4 framing runs suggest slight weaknesses, but his bat makes him a reliable secondary option. Cook will be on league minimum next year and in the mix for the back up catcher role, with Ernie Mapes.
Ernie Mapes turned six starts into a resounding statement, boasting a mini-season 166 wRC+ and .954 OPS. In just 24 at-bats, he hit .429 with a .643 BABIP, showcasing exceptional contact ability. Though he didn’t clear the fences, his single and extra-base hit rate hint at emerging power. Defensively, Mapes held his own—zero errors with a slight +0.2 zone rating. While the sample is small, he’s a high-upside candidate for more playing time. Mapes will be on league minimum next year and in the mix for the back up catcher role, with Dane Cook.
Infield
1B Juan Magana delivered a monster season at first base, tallying a career-high 4.6 WAR while posting a 132 wRC+ and .831 OPS in 703 plate appearances. He chipped in 166 hits, including 33 doubles, four triples, and 28 homers, driving in 94 runs and scoring 92 times. His 11.4% walk rate and 19.2% strikeout rate underline his disciplined approach. On the bases, Magana swiped 52 bags at an 83.9% success rate. Defensively, his 8.03 range factor and +4.4 zone rating reflect excellent footwork and reliable hands. Entering the second year of his long-term contract, Magana will be the Giants 1B in 2057.
2B Ernesto Pantoja anchored second base with 4.0 WAR, crafting a balanced .255/.326/.491 slash line and 126 wRC+ over 657 plate appearances. He racked up 150 hits, including 34 doubles, six triples, and 31 homers, while driving in 87 runs and scoring 94 times. His tidy 7.8% walk rate and 19.2% strikeout rate underline a consistent approach. Defensively, Pantoja’s 4.08 range factor was offset by a –5.2 zone rating, hinting at occasional lapses despite solid effort. Entering his last year arbitration year, and looking for $30m+ for an extension, Pantoja will most likely receive a one-year extension before a QO next off season.
3B Steve Boyd turned 440 plate appearances into 2.0 WAR, compiling a strong .275/.339/.457 slash line and 118 wRC+. He recorded 109 hits, including 18 doubles, six triples, and 14 homers, while driving in 49 runs and scoring 53 times. Boyd’s 7.3% walk rate and 17% strikeout rate balance aggression and selectivity. Defensively, his 2.64 range factor and +1.0 zone rating at third base underscore dependable reactions and above-average play in the hot corner. Boyd is a replaceable part of the roster but will likely receive a one year extension and with another year of arbitration eligibility the Giants don’t need to make a decision yet.
SS Joel Hudson combined slick defense with steady offense, posting 1.5 WAR and a .232/.289/.395 slash line over 250 plate appearances in an injury hit season. His 91 wRC+ and .684 OPS were modest but backed by 53 hits, including 17 doubles and six homers, while scoring 29 runs. At short, Hudson’s 4.5 zone rating and 1.085 fielding efficiency highlight elite glove work, supported by a 3.8 range factor. An extension during the season means Hudson is the first choice SS on the roster but the Giants will hope he can stay fit in 2057.
SS Juan Mendoza struggled to impact the ledger, posting a .204/.253/.334 slash line with a paltry 64 wRC+ across 324 plate appearances and –0.1 WAR covering for Hudson. He notched 61 hits, 16 doubles, one triple, and seven homers, driving in 42 and scoring 33. Mendoza walked just 6.5% of the time and struck out 22.8%. Defensively, his 3.85 range factor was solid, but a –2.8 zone rating points to inconsistent positioning. Improvement on both sides of the ball will be key for him next year although he is a clear candidate for upgrade.
In 360 plate appearances, Nate Morris posted a 1.2 WAR with a .257/.319/.402 line and 91 wRC+. He tallied 83 hits, 13 doubles, five triples, and eight homers, knocking in 47 runs and crossing the plate 39 times. Morris drew walks at a 7.5% clip but struck out 23.9% of the time. Defensively, his 2.34 range factor and –0.2 zone rating suggest average to slightly below-average coverage, though his 1.002 fielding efficiency indicates he made most plays he reached. A $7m arbitration figure makes it tough to see Morris coming back in 2057.
Jovaugh McCarron struggled in limited duty, mustering a .217/.280/.217 line and 42 wRC+ across 25 plate appearances. With just five hits and no extra-base knocks, he posted –0.1 WAR in sporadic assignments. McCarron walked at an 8% rate but struck out 32% of the time. Defensively, his 3.86 range factor and neutral zone rating show adequate instincts, though a .939 fielding efficiency suggests occasional errors. A longer look will be necessary to judge his true ceiling.
In a brief 18-PA audition, Nelson Serrano caught fire, going .333/.333/.500 with three doubles and six runs in two starts. His 132 wRC+ and .833 OPS belie the tiny sample, but Serrano’s crisp contact and power flashes earned him a 1.024 defensive efficiency mark, a +0.3 zone rating, and 2.88 range factor at short. He didn’t walk or steal but showed the instincts to merit more opportunities in 2057.
In his two-game cameo, Luis Morales flashed considerable upside, collecting one hit in five at-bats and posting a gaudy 171 wRC+ and 1.021 OPS. Though he walked just once and didn’t register extra-base hits, his .400/.500/.400 slash line suggests an ability to make loud contact in limited action. With no defensive metrics to critique and a 0.9 ISO, Morales leaves us intrigued for a larger sample where his power and on-base skills might play a more meaningful role.
Beau Wartel saw ten plate appearances, hitting .222/.300/.333 with two hits and a double. His 83 wRC+ reflects a small-sample hiccup, amplified by a 30% strikeout rate. With no defensive mistakes in nine innings, Wartel’s 3.6 range factor and +0.1 zone rating show adequate footwork. While the numbers are limited, he’ll need to harness a more disciplined approach to earn expanded opportunities.
Nelson Loera anchored the DH role in 143 games, compiling a 1.2 WAR fueled by a 106 wRC+ and .730 OPS across 609 plate appearances. He slashed .263/.325/.405 with 145 hits, including 34 doubles, four triples, and 12 homers, while driving in 76 runs and scoring 71. His .311 BABIP reflects consistent contact, though an 8.2% walk rate against a 19.2% strikeout rate suggests room to refine his approach. Unexpectedly, he swiped 21 bases at a 77.8% clip, adding baserunning value rarely seen from a DH. His glove can play 3B or even 2B so will be in the mix for 2057.
Outfield
LF Gianvito Heaton emerged as the Giants’ offensive engine in left field, posting a 146 wRC+ and .908 OPS over 614 plate appearances. He tallied 147 hits, including 20 doubles, three triples, and 45 homers, while driving in 121 runs and scoring 98 times. His .269/.344/.564 slash line was backed by an elite .348 BABIP and a 34.4% strikeout rate that belied the power. Defensively, Heaton’s 4.6 zone rating and 1.031 fielding efficiency reflect plus range and sure hands on the grass, and he chipped in two steals. Entering his first year of arbitration, Heaton will be back, even if Stewart still doesn’t trust the below average contact.
CF David Rojo anchored center field with a 5.2 WAR, combining speed and contact to post a .251/.329/.455 slash line and 120 wRC+ in 666 plate appearances. He collected 148 hits, including 32 doubles, five triples, and 26 homers, while scoring 110 runs and driving in 82. His 29.9% strikeout rate was high, but an 8.9% walk rate and .330 BABIP fueled consistent contact. Rojo’s defensive metrics were outstanding—6.0 zone rating, 1.041 fielding efficiency, and 32 steals at an 88.9% clip showcase his dual-threat impact. Coming back for his final arbitration eligible season is a no brainer, with a QO the likeliest outcome next offseason.
RF Jaquan Willie slashed .235/.298/.373 in right field, producing a 91 wRC+ across 406 plate appearances and adding 1.3 WAR. He notched 87 hits, 22 doubles, and nine homers, while scoring 57 runs and driving in 45. His 21.2% strikeout rate and 7.4% walk rate reflect a free-swinging approach that yielded pockets of extra-base power. Defensively, Willie recorded a 5.2 zone rating and 1.083 fielding efficiency, highlighting strong reads and reliable glove work, plus 31 steals at an 86.1% success rate. Willie played more games at RF than any other Giant this past season and with his defensive ability the Giants would like to see him return in a fourth OF role, giving him a one-year extension as he enters his arbitration years.
In 260 plate appearances, RF Ernnie Chafer mustered a .230/.273/.357 line and 77 wRC+, contributing 0.1 WAR. He tallied 56 hits, including 14 doubles and five homers, while scoring 26 runs and driving in 28. His contact rate showed promise, but a 25% strikeout rate and 5% walk rate limited on-base value. Defensively, Chafer posted a 3.0 zone rating and 1.060 fielding efficiency, reflecting solid but unspectacular range. He chipped in seven steals at a 77.8% clip, adding a touch of speed. Willie has outplayed him for the fourth OF role, although on a minimum contract for next year, and with options, Chafer is likely to remain a Giant.
RF Frank Calleja maximized 141 plate appearances into a 1.1 WAR and 130 OPS+ with a .271/.329/.512 slash line. He notched 35 hits, including seven doubles and eight homers, while driving in 17 runs and scoring 19. His 23.4% strikeout rate and 7.8% walk rate underscore a power-first profile. In right field, Calleja’s 1.8 zone rating and 1.033 fielding efficiency indicate adequate range and sure hands. Though he didn’t steal bases, his offensive surge makes him a potent bat if he can remain healthy. That ability, though, is questionable and he is likely to be in the last chance saloon in 2057.
LF Jadon Notice stole limited action to post a .212/.268/.348 slash line with a 70 OPS+ and 0.1 WAR in 71 plate appearances. He collected 14 hits, including three doubles and two homers, while scoring 11 runs and driving in nine. His 26.8% strikeout rate and 7% walk rate suggest he’ll need to refine his contact approach. Defensively, Notice’s 0.6 zone rating and 1.022 fielding efficiency in left field reflect adequate coverage in a part-time role. His perfect 100% stolen-base rate (1-for-1) hints at baserunning instincts. Notice is unlikely to return next season, unless via a Minor League contract.
In a five-game cameo, LF Mike Moffitt stole the show with a .625/.700/1.125 slash line, a 399 OPS+, and 0.4 WAR in just ten plate appearances. He amassed five hits, including one double and one homer, while scoring four runs and driving in five. His 20% walk and strikeout rates came in a tiny sample, but the power was undeniable. Defensively, Moffitt’s 0.3 zone rating and 1.022 fielding efficiency show light-up-the-box tools in left field. He’s a high-upside bat to watch next season. Moffitt’s potential is the primary reason that Notice is likely to be moved on.
Early 2057 Projections
C Jim Clarke
1B Juan Magana
2B Ernesto Pantoja
3B Steve Boyd
SS Joel Hudson
LF Gianvito Heaton
CF David Rojo
RF Frank Calleja
DH TBC
C Dane Cook / Ernie Mapes
IF TBC
IF TBC
OF Jaquan Willie
OF Mike Moffitt / Ernnie Chafer
Trade / Non-Tendered
Nate Morris
Jadon Notice
TBD
Juan Mendoza
Jovaugh McCarron
Nelson Serrano
Luis Morales
Beau Wartel
Nelson Loera
Starters
Jorge Ramirez served as the rotation’s workhorse, tossing 182.1 innings over 33 starts. His power arsenal generated a robust 9.8 K/9 while he kept walks in check at 2.9 BB/9. A 4.69 ERA and 95 FIP- place him slightly below league average, but his 2.8 WAR and 45.5% quality start rate underscored his ability to eat innings. Occasional long balls (1.2 HR/9) inflated his ERA+, but he remained a dependable mid-rotation arm. On a minimum salary he will be back in 2057, hopefully in the back half of the rotation.
Juan Montoya delivered frontline production across 173 innings, compiling a 3.38 ERA and 92 FIP-. His 9 strikeouts per nine and 3.3 walks per nine paired with a stingy 0.8 HR/9, fuelling a 3.0 WAR and 119 ERA+. Montoya’s 41.9% quality start rate hinted at occasional volatility, yet he consistently countered adversity, logging 12 wins against 5 losses. His mixture of swing-and-miss stuff and ground-ball tendencies made him the staff’s most reliable high-leverage starter. In only his second year of a multi-year deal, Montoya is locked into the Giants plans for 2057.
Andy Frederick emerged as the rotation’s ace, posting a sterling 66 FIP- and 3.51 ERA over 128.1 innings. His 10.7 K/9 led the staff while his 2.0 BB/9 kept traffic manageable. Frederick racked up 4.1 WAR and an impressive 115 ERA+ by limiting hard contact and homers (0.8 HR/9). His 24.1% strikeout-rate and 5.4% walk-rate combined for elite peripherals. Though he made just 23 starts, his performance cemented him as a postseason workhorse. The Giants wait for his injury diagnosis from his final start with concerns that it a serious shoulder injury which could cost 2057.
In a limited 72-inning sample, Greg Ward flashed frontline potential. He posted a 3.00 ERA, 94 FIP- and outstanding 134 ERA+ across 13 starts. Ward’s 9.2 K/9 and 2.5 BB/9 demonstrated his strike-out-first approach, while his 0.211 opponent average and 1.06 WHIP kept opponents off balance. Though he logged only 1.2 WAR, his ability to limit hard contact and finish six quality starts (46.2%) suggests a high ceiling as a middle-rotation cornerstone. How successful his return from injury is will be a key factor in the Giants success in 2057.
Amari Papillion struggled through 52.2 innings, posting a 5.47 ERA and 127 FIP-. His 7.9 K/9 showed flashes of swing-and-miss ability, but a high 4.1 BB/9 and 1.5 HR/9 undermined consistency. Papillion’s 74 ERA+ and 1.42 WHIP indicated frequent over-the-middle mistakes. Though he made 11 starts, he yielded too many homers and free passes to be trusted deeper into games. His raw stuff warrants refinement before returning to the rotation. Papillion will be back in 2057 but unless his individual pitches take a step forward it is unclear what that role might be.
Lefty Bobby Height made eight starts for 63 innings, posting a 5.00 ERA and 146 FIP-. His 6.6 K/9 was offset by a hefty 4.6 BB/9 and 1.9 HR/9, resulting in just –0.8 WAR and a 0.287 ERA+. Height struggled with control and home-run prevention, forcing the Giants to limit his role. When healthy, his left-handed breaking ball flashed potential, but he’ll need to tighten his command to stick in the rotation. Height was the disappointment of the season, struggling even in AAA and he is likely to be DFA before the end of November.
Nate Hudson excelled in spot starts and long relief, totaling 69 innings over 22 appearances with seven starts. He posted a 2.74 ERA, 92 FIP- and 147 ERA+, striking out 7.7 batters per nine while walking just 3.8. His ground-ball tendencies and 0.5 HR/9 allowed him to outperform his peripherals, yielding 0.9 WAR. Hudson’s versatility and low homer rate made him a valuable swingman, capable of stepping into rotation and shutdown relief duties seamlessly. Hudson keeps coming back and the Giants may well have a starting role for him next year, although he will face competition from several new, young arms.
Bullpen
Pete Lamar logged 112 innings across a starter and reliever role, posting a 6.67 ERA and 112 FIP-. His 7 K/9 was respectable, but a 4.3 BB/9 and 0.9 HR/9 inflated his ERA+. With just 0.7 WAR, he battled command issues throughout the year. Though he collected six saves and five holds, teams attacked him in high-leverage spots. Lamar’s mound presence and bulk workload suggest he could thrive if he pares down walks and hones a third offering. Lamar still has growth, but that might be explored back at AAA level.
Juan Dorame served as a reliable middle reliever as well as totalling 12 starts. He posted a 4.44 ERA and 113 FIP- with 9.6 K/9 and 4.9 BB/9. His low-leverage contributions (2 saves, 2 holds) yielded 0.4 WAR. Dorame’s 91 ERA+ masks his swing-and-miss stuff, but his walk rate hampered consistency. Refining his off-speed control could unlock clearer matchup advantages and a steadier role in the late-inning mix. He retains some potential which could see him back in the rotation next season.
Jesus Machado emerged as the bullpen’s ace setup man, recording 22 holds and a 0.917 save percentage. Over 66.1 innings, he posted a microscopic 1.76 ERA and 64 FIP-, striking out 9.4 batters per nine while walking 2.4. His 244 ERA+ and 2.1 WAR highlight elite performance. Machado neutralized lefties and righties alike with sharp breaking pitches, cementing himself as a cornerstone of late-inning dominance. A free agent this offseason, though, the Giants will likely allow Machado to test free agency.
As closer, Ricky Eggett converted 30 saves in 63 outings, posting a 4.01 ERA and 64 FIP-. His 13.9 K/9 led the staff, offsetting a 4.3 BB/9. Eggett’s 1.22 WHIP and 202 ERA+ reflect a feast-or-famine profile: electric swing-and-miss stuff paired with periodic command lapses. When locked in, he shut doors; when not, he flirted with big innings. Fine-tuning his release point will be key to sustained dominance. Back on a league minimum salary, the Closer role is Eggett’s to lose in 2057.
Mike Grudzinski stabilized the middle innings, posting a 3.28 ERA and 96 FIP- over 60.1 innings. His 9.1 K/9 and 3.3 BB/9 yielded a solid 123 ERA+ and 0.4 WAR. Grudzinski thrived in transitional leverage, exhibiting a reliable cutter-slider mix. Though not a high-octane arm, his consistent work and ability to induce weak contact made him a bullpen pillar throughout the season. Entering his first year of arbitration, Grudzinski is certain to be back next year although the Giants will be hoping for an uptick in his K/9 and a lower HR/9 rate.
Josh Medaris pitched 59.1 innings of low-leverage relief, posting a 4.85 ERA and 118 FIP-. His 7.1 K/9 and 4.1 BB/9 produced a 0.281 ERA+. Medaris battled command issues but flashed strikeout potential, especially against same-handed hitters. With 6 holds and multiple multi-inning stints, he proved serviceable in middle relief. Consistency remains his biggest hurdle to higher-leverage opportunities. Entering arbitration, Medaris is unlikely to return in 2057.
Rickey Martino filled diverse roles across 57 innings, registering a 3.57 ERA and 97 FIP-. His 9.8 K/9 and 3.1 BB/9 generated a 113 ERA+ and 0.3 WAR. Martino logged 14 holds and converted two save chances, showcasing poise in medium-leverage situations. His high-spin fastball and sweeping slider keep batters off balance. He projects as a key bridge to the late innings if he maintains his strikeout-to-walk ratio but enters free agency looking for 3-years and over $5m per year, not numbers the Giants are willing to pay a middle reliever. He likely ends his Giants career in 6th place all-time for saves.
Mike Stark delivered 56 innings of high-leverage work, posting a 4.02 ERA and 68 FIP-. His 10.8 K/9 and 2.9 BB/9 earned a 100 ERA+. Stark’s cutter-changeup combo generated weak contact, especially in traffic. Although he yielded 17 homers, many came with two strikes. His ability to miss bats in tight spots makes him a strong candidate for high-leverage holds next season. Stark is consistently good for the Giants and his season is more deserving than Martino as the Giants consider his $6m option.
Josh O’Neal dominated hitters in 42.2 innings, compiling a 1.05 ERA and 75 FIP-. He struck out 10.1 batters per nine and walked just 3.0, posting a ludicrous 382 ERA+. O’Neal’s splitter and fastball tunnel fooled opposing lefties, resulting in a microscopic .195 average against. The second Team Option decision for Stewart, $2.4m is a reasonable price for continuity in the bullpen.
LHP Nate Brodt logged 40.1 innings with a 3.12 ERA and 86 FIP-. His 8.7 K/9 and 4.5 BB/9 produced a 129 ERA+. Brodt excelled in low- to mid-leverage spots, displaying above-average cutter ride and a deceptive changeup. His 11.6% walk rate leaves room for improvement, but his steady peripherals and ground-ball tendencies make him a reliable matchup weapon.
Dan Namken thrived in situational matchups, posting a 2.78 ERA and 102 FIP- over 35.2 innings. He struck out 7.6 batters per nine while walking 3.5, yielding a 145 ERA+. Namken’s mix of two-seam sinker and slider produced grounders at will. Though he collected no saves or holds, his spot appearances in high-traffic situations often snuffed rallies before they began and the Giants are hopeful he has room to grow in lowering his BB rate.
Dan Caines was strong across 22.2 innings. He posted a 2.38 ERA and 49 FIP-, striking out 13.1 batters per nine while walking just 1.6. His 169 ERA+ and 0.7 WAR highlighted elite performance. Caines’ fastball-slider tandem bamboozled righties and lefties alike. Though he appeared in only 22 games, he projects as a future high-leverage weapon.
Greg Brinson made just five appearances, logging 6.2 innings of mop-up duty. He posted a 5.40 ERA and 71 FIP-, striking out 9.4 per nine with no walks. Brinson’s tiny sample featured a handful of weak-contact outs and a pair of homers allowed. While he showed a short-stopper’s arm and fastball velocity, he needs a larger workload to validate his command and secondary offerings.
Early 2057 Projections
SP Juan Montoya
SP Greg Ward
SP Andy Frederick
SP Jorge Ramirez
SP Nate Hudson
RP Rickey Eggett
RP Mike Grudzinski
RP Mike Stark
RP Josh O’Neal
RP Nate Brodt
RP Dan Namken
RP Dan Caines
RP Juan Dorame
RP TBC
Trade / Non-Tendered
Bobby Height
Josh Medaris
Greg Brinson
Free Agents
Jesus Machado
Rickey Martino
Option
Amari Papillion
Pete Lamar