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Diam⚾️ndBuzz: December 17, 2024

Giants’ 2024: Strong Core, Missed Opportunities

The 2024 San Francisco Giants were a team with high expectations, yet when the season wrapped up, they found themselves falling short of playoff contention. Throughout the offseason, the organization made strategic moves that showed their commitment to strengthening the roster, but inconsistency in key areas, compounded by a competitive National League West, left the Giants with a season marked by potential rather than success.

Offseason Moves: Building Around a Strong Core

Heading into the 2024 season, the San Francisco Giants focused on reinforcing both their offensive and pitching depth. The front office, led by President of Baseball Operations Farhan Zaidi, made moves aimed at creating a balanced team capable of competing with the top teams in the National League. The biggest offseason move was the signing of Matt Chapman, the 2023 Gold Glove-winning third baseman. Chapman, known for his elite defense and power bat, was expected to add stability and punch to the middle of the lineup. The Giants also sought to deepen their outfield by signing veteran Jorge Soler to bring an additional power threat.

On the pitching side, Blake Snell, the former Cy Young Award winner, was brought in to boost the rotation and provide a left-handed presence to complement the emerging talent of Logan Webb, who was coming off a solid 2023 season. The Giants’ focus on pitching depth also included a slew of bullpen signings, with the addition of Tyler Rogers, Ryan Walker, and Erik Miller expected to solidify a bullpen that had proven unreliable in previous seasons.

These moves were designed to improve a squad that had shown potential in 2023, finishing just outside of the playoff picture. With Logan Webb as the staff ace, Matt Chapman anchoring the infield, and the outfield bolstered by Conforto and Yastrzemski, the foundation was solid. Yet, much like the offseason, the season proved to be one of anticipation but ultimately disappointment.

Special Accomplishments: The Resurgence of the Veteran Leaders

One of the defining features of the 2024 season was the steady performance of veterans, particularly Matt Chapman. Chapman’s contributions both at the plate and in the field were significant, as he posted an OPS of .790, with 27 home runs and 78 RBIs. His defensive metrics were off the charts, earning him another Gold Glove nomination, and he was undoubtedly one of the league’s top third basemen.

Meanwhile, LaMonte Wade Jr. continued to prove his worth as a reliable first baseman, hitting .260 with a .380 on-base percentage. Wade’s performance in the leadoff spot helped set the tone for the Giants’ offense. Tyler Fitzgerald, another key piece of the puzzle, posted strong numbers at shortstop, showcasing his potential as a future cornerstone of the franchise.

Mike Yastrzemski, despite a down year, remained a steady presence in the outfield, and Michael Conforto, who had a decent but not standout season, showed flashes of his former self. However, Heliot Ramos, in his first full season, posted strong numbers with 22 homers and 72 RBIs, proving that the Giants’ commitment to their youth development was beginning to bear fruit.

Defensively, the Giants' outfield and infield were markedly improved, thanks to key acquisitions like Jorge Soler, who provided stability and leadership.

The Pitching Staff: A Tale of Two Seasons

On the mound, Logan Webb was arguably the most consistent performer for the Giants, logging a 3.47 ERA across 33 starts with a 13-10 record. Webb’s ability to pitch deep into games and his stellar ground ball rate made him a true workhorse for the team. Blake Snell, who had been brought in to provide a dominant left-handed presence, posted a solid 3.12 ERA with 145 strikeouts but was often inconsistent, as his walk rate remained an issue.

The bullpen, despite offseason moves, remained a mixed bag for the Giants. Camilo Doval, the team’s closer, had a difficult year, posting a 4.88 ERA while saving 23 games. There were flashes of brilliance, but the inconsistency from Doval and the bullpen as a whole often prevented the Giants from closing out tight games. Tyler Rogers and Ryan Walker, in particular, showed promise, but a lack of consistency from the depth pieces made it hard for the Giants to find reliable setup options.

In the rotation, Kyle Harrison showed that the future is bright for the Giants. The 22-year-old rookie posted a 4.56 ERA with 118 strikeouts in 124 innings, earning a spot in the rotation for the future. His development was one of the key bright spots in an otherwise lackluster season for the Giants' pitching staff.

Trades and Midseason Moves

As the Giants entered the midseason, the front office was active, making a few trades to improve their roster. One notable trade saw the team acquire Tyler Matzek and Sabin Ceballos from the Atlanta Braves in exchange for Luke Jackson and Jorge Soler. The deal was aimed at reinforcing the bullpen and providing additional depth to a team that was struggling to close out games.

Another key move came in late July, when the Giants traded Anthony DeSclafani to the Seattle Mariners in exchange for Robbie Ray. This move was viewed as a bid to bolster the pitching staff, adding another veteran arm to the rotation. Ray’s experience and ability to eat innings were seen as essential in providing stability down the stretch.

However, despite these moves, the Giants were never able to piece together a sustained run. The inconsistency in their offensive output and their bullpen struggles continued to hold them back from securing a playoff spot.

Why They Fell Short: Inconsistent Offense and Bullpen Woes

The main issue for the San Francisco Giants in 2024 was the continued inconsistency in their offensive performance. While players like Matt Chapman and LaMonte Wade Jr. provided solid production, the Giants’ overall batting numbers remained mediocre. The team finished with a .239 team batting average and a .396 slugging percentage, ranking them in the lower third of the National League in terms of offensive output.

Additionally, while the pitching staff was relatively solid, the bullpen's inability to hold leads in high-leverage situations was a critical factor in their failure to make the playoffs. The Giants’ inability to convert save opportunities and their inconsistent middle relief often led to blown games.

The NL West, meanwhile, was competitive, and the Giants found themselves outpaced by the powerhouse teams like the Los Angeles Dodgers and San Diego Padres. Despite being competitive for much of the season, their inconsistency prevented them from ever truly threatening for the division title or a wild card spot.

Looking Ahead: Moves for 2025

As the 2024 offseason rolls around, the Giants are once again active in the free-agent market and trade discussions. The team has already made moves to address their depth, including the signings of Daulton Jefferies and Thomas Szapucki, and they’ll continue to target key acquisitions. Their focus seems to be on strengthening the bullpen and improving their outfield depth.

Farhan Zaidi has consistently shown a willingness to make bold moves, and the Giants may look to add another big-name bat or power hitter to solidify their lineup. Jorge Soler’s power bat in the middle of the lineup will be crucial in the 2025 season, but the Giants may need another slugger to give them the offensive punch they lacked this year. Bryce Harper and David Peralta are names that could intrigue the front office, and a pursuit of Shohei Ohtani might not be off the table, though it would require a significant payroll commitment.

On the pitching side, adding another veteran starter to complement Logan Webb could be crucial. The Giants are expected to continue developing Kyle Harrison but will need a reliable No. 2 starter to remain competitive. They may also consider adding a proven closer to solidify the back end of the bullpen.

The San Francisco Giants may be one or two key moves away from being a legitimate contender again. If they can improve their offensive consistency and bolster the bullpen, 2025 could be a much better year for the franchise. The foundation is in place, and with the right acquisitions, the Giants could very well be in the playoff hunt next season.

Despite the frustration of falling short of the playoffs, the San Francisco Giants still have a bright future. Their ability to make key moves and develop young talent positions them well for the future. With a few strategic additions in the offseason and improvements to their overall consistency, the Giants could be a force to reckon with in 2025.

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