The Giants signed right-handed pitcher Anthony DeSclafani to a one-year deal in December, adding to a rotation that already was bolstered by bringing back Kevin Gausman on the qualifying offer.
Both throw from the same side and despite some inconsistencies throughout their careers, they have their high-velocity fastball and a secondary pitch they’re confident in. With those two adding to a rotation that includes Johnny Cueto, Logan Webb and Tyler Beede, the rotation has become very righty-heavy.
Giants general manager Scott Harris admitted the team still is looking for a lefty arm to balance that out in 2021.
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“We could use some more balance in our rotation,” Harris told Jon Morosi and Ryan Spilborghs on SiriusXM’s MLB Network Radio channel Tuesday afternoon. “I think we’re targeting some left-handed starters out there and we’re hopeful that we might be able to push one across the finish line in the coming weeks, but we like what we have right now there’s a lot of upside in our starting rotation and we’re going to continue to try and add to it as the winter unfolds.”
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There are no indications yet who this lefty might be. The Giants have brought in southpaws like Drew Pomeranz and Drew Smyly on one-year deals in the last two seasons, so it could be something similar here.
San Francisco Giants
Smyly added velocity to his fastball and turned himself into a strong pitcher with the Giants in 2020, and he will earn $11 million with the Atlanta Braves in 2021. It could be the same situation for a left-handed pitcher of that caliber who could benefit from development in San Francisco's spacious Oracle Park.
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“I think anyone who has followed us over the last couple of years has noticed that we found success partnering with undervalued starters,” Harris said. “We aggressively courted pitchers who we think we can help, brought them to San Francisco and help post career years.”