Alex Pavlovic of NBC Sports Bay Area reports that the Giants have picked up the 2018 options for starters Madison Bumgarner and Matt Moore, as well as third baseman Pablo Sandoval.
Bumgarner, 28, had an option worth $12 million and has another one for 2019 worth the same. He made only 17 starts this past season because he injured his ribs and shoulder in a dirt bike accident back in April. The lefty finished with a 3.32 ERA and a 101/20 K/BB ratio in 111 innings.
Moore, 28, had the worst season of his career in 2017. He led the league with 15 losses while accruing a 5.52 ERA and a 148/67 K/BB ratio in 174 1/3 innings. Moore’s 2018 option is worth $9 million and he also has a 2019 option worth $10 million.
Sandoval, 31, rejoined the Giants after the Red Sox released him shortly after the second half began. He didn’t hit particularly well, putting up a .622 OPS in Boston and .638 in San Francisco. His 2018 option is worth $18 million, as is his 2019 option. He also has a 2020 club option worth $17 million.
The Sandoval decision is likely the most confusing, given how quickly he has declined as a player, as well as his injury history and his perception as a player overall. As Grant Brisbee of McCovey Chronicles explains, the Giants decided to keep Sandoval around because they’re only paying him the major league minimum. The Red Sox are paying his salary minus that major league minimum. So the Giants can bring Sandoval into camp and if he looks like he can produce, he will have a bench role on the 25-man roster. If he doesn’t look good in spring training, the Giants can cut him with no penalty whatsoever.